Mikron reports slightly higher net sales

The Mikron Group's business areas and markets performed very differently in 2014. Whereas the medical devices and pharmaceutical industries and the US economy in general made significant progress, a widespread mood of caution and uncertainty affected demand for capital goods in Europe, as felt most acutely by the Machining business segment. The solid demand from Switzerland seen in previous years also slowed down considerably. The weak euro also affectecd competitiveness. The Mikron Group nonetheless succeeded in defending the pole market position held by both business segments in Europe. Healthy capacity utilization levels in the automotive industry had an additional favorable impact on the tool and service business. Although developments in the Asian markets fell short of expectations in the year under review, Mikron was still able to win a number of new customers and strengthen local competencies.

The Annual Report, containing the detailed results for the Mikron Group for 2014, will be published at the Media and Analyst Conference on 9 March 2015.

Machining segment

Mikron Machining is the leading supplier of customized, highly productive machining solutions for the manufacturing of complex, high-precision components made of metal. Customers in the automotive, watchmaking and writing instruments industries account for the majority of the segment's net sales.

The Machining business segment faced a decrease in demand for machining solutions in 2014. The strong performance by Mikron Machining's tool and service business was not sufficient to offset this fall. For 2014 as a whole, the Machining business segment reported a 12 percent decline in order intake to CHF 110.9 million (previous year: CHF 125.8 million). The segment reported net sales of CHF 123.8 million, only slightly below the prior-year level (previous year: CHF 125.2 million). At CHF 46.9 million, the Machining business segment's order backlog at the end of 2014 was 19 percent lower than at the end of 2013 (CHF 57.6 million).

Automation segment

Mikron Automation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of customized, highly productive automation solutions for high-precision assembly and testing of products up to hand size. The segment operates primarily in the medical devices, pharmaceuticals, automotive and consumer goods industries.

Thanks to high demand from the US, especially from the medical devices, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods industries, the Automation business segment increased its order intake by 10 percent to CHF 134.5 million (previous year: CHF 121.8 million) and net sales by 9 percent to CHF 126.8 million (previous year: CHF 116.8 million) in 2014. At CHF 70.1 million, the Automation business segment's order backlog at the end of 2014 was 8 percent higher than at the end of 2013 (CHF 65.1 million).

Preliminary volume figures for 2014 financial year, compared to 2013

¹⁾ Divisional financial figures before consolidation

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Martin Blom, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 62 916 69 60, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar of Events

9 March 2015, 7.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2014 Annual Report

9 March 2015, 10.00 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

16 April 2015, 4 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2015

23 July 2015, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2015

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).