Continued sales growth in 2010 as Weidenhammer expands market position

With group sales reaching €215 million in 2010 (2009: €192 million), the Weidenhammer Packaging Group (WPG), one of the world's two leading suppliers of composite cans, composite drums and plastic containers, achieved strong sales growth and clearly surpassed company targets. The group's cash flow for the same period increased by one percentage point to 14 per cent. In the current fiscal year, WPG is planning to increase sales - although sharply rising raw material costs will prevent the company from reaching the same earnings level achieved in 2010. Nevertheless, investment will continue at a high level. The expansion of production facilities and the introduction of new packaging solutions will help open up new markets and market segments.

The WPG achieved sales growth for the 15th consecutive year in 2010 with a significant increase in turnover that clearly exceeded management targets. "We are pleased with our financial results - especially in light of the global economic crisis that clearly had an impact on our company in 2009", said WPG CEO Ralf Weidenhammer. "The company's positive financial results show that our business strategy is on the right track and that our investment in production facilities, staff, research & development and new markets pays off. We plan to continue along the same lines in the future".

WPG cardboard and plastic divisions both contributed to the company's outstanding financial performance in 2010. The group's core business in composite cans and drums accounted for the largest share of revenues. A significant amount of turnover came from Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging (WPP). Founded in 2005, the group's plastics division reported growth for the third consecutive year. "Our plastic packaging business has evolved to become a mainstay in the company," Ralf Weidenhammer explained. "We hope to soon see WPP account for around 15 per cent of total group sales. This figure reached nearly 10 per cent last year".