With a mere 6.6 grams of PET, 500 millilitres of still water can be “packaged”. The innovative features here include firstly dividing the bottle into different functional sections. Secondly, nitrogen is used to build up a defined pressure inside the bottle, so that it does not collapse during transport and handling. This internal pressure enables the bottle to be handled dependably and transported on normal pallets. The mouthpiece specially developed for this bottle dispenses with the neck ring otherwise customary, and weighs only 1.3 grams; the closure, too, is sensationally light at 1.1 grams. The interaction of thread, closure, material distribution, design and the use of nitrogen was crucial in this breakthrough to achieve such a low-weight bottle.

11.14.2008

The catalogue of 2009 is already available and in addition to the familiar training units also offers new topics like maintenance strategy, aseptics, logistics and “Train the Trainer”.

The substantive training modules are similar to the initial training content. In the open courses, however, different customers’ staff come together in a single event. The mutual cross-company feedback can be extremely helpful, with an outside viewpoint on getting to grips with procedures to cope with particular problems.

This training option makes it even easier to send staff for training without having to request a trainer, independently of a new machinery purchase. It is now being offered in all the LCS Training Centres worldwide for a variety of different target groups, such as operators, maintenance personnel, electricians and IT engineers, supervisors and plant managers.

11.12.2008

The continuously operating Carboflow is available in the output classes of 8, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 m³/h. The deaeration function utilises pressure, while the foreign gases released from the water are removed by quantitative CO₂ flushing in dependence on the recipe concerned.

The carbonator doses CO₂ in the range from 3 to 10 g/l at product temperatures of up to 20°C. The CO₂ is added using the saturation carbonation principle, with the integrated control system autonomously computing the pressure required, and adjusting it continually to suit the beverage temperature involved.

All worksteps, from production, including start-up and shut-down, all the way through to CIP cleaning, are run under program control. An extensive recipe memory is provided for dependably reproducible product quality. The compactly dimensioned construction offers maintenance-friendly accessibility. The Carboflow is suitable for all filling systems.

11.12.2008

The inspection units required for this purpose are chosen to suit the particular application involved, and can also be retrofitted at need. The standard inspection units available are for base, sealing-surface and residual-liquid (HF/IR) monitoring. As optional inspection units, the user can also integrate sidewall, inside wall, thread, lateral neck finish or foreign-bottle detection. An automatic changeover feature means that no handling parts are required.

11.12.2008

11.12.2008

The unit’s minimised dimensions mean it requires only 150 mm of conveyor length in the direction of bottle travel for measuring the fill level. It can be used with all Krones fillers or labellers, and with other makes as well. Thanks to a non-contact measuring process, there is no wear and tear; the Checkmat needs practically no maintenance at all.

The unit is designed for user-friendly operator control at a touch-screen on the new Krones xPanel terminal, where all relevant statistical production data are also displayed as needed. A teaching mode makes it easy to set up new bottle types. Any desired number of bottle variants can be stored on the internal flash card. Software updates can be simply loaded via a USB interface.

The new Checkmat 707 HF is at the same time the first device from a new family of inspection units with harmonised system characteristics, such as uniform mechanical and electrical interfaces, and software interfaces to the industrial standard.

11.12.2008

Ecopush permits type-dependent parameterisation of stroke, acceleration and zero reference point to the conveyor. This eliminates the need for mechanical adjustment in relation to the conveyor at changeovers. In the premium variant, the height setting can also be parameterised using an additional motor. With a speed of up to 72,000 bottles an hour, the compressed-airless electric pusher is unique in the beverage industry.

11.12.2008

Since Krones premiered its intralogistical capabilities back in 2000, numerous sophisticated warehousing projects have been completed for prestigious clients – block-type warehouse management, lift-truck control and fully automated high-bay warehousing systems. The projects concerned constitute strategic investments in the future and the continued existence of the facilities involved. They help to ensure that the logistical requirements are met with minimised staffing or provide the requisite upsizing of the client’s warehousing capabilities, speeding up his processes still further. With the warehouse management system provided, intralogistical systems from Krones provide enhanced transparency for the warehousing operation and the processes involved. Only with a system of this kind can the increasingly complex warehousing processes of the future be effectively mastered and efficiently handled.

On Krones stand at the ProMat 2009, to be held in Chicago from 12 to 15 January 2009, visitors will be able to view the firm’s performance capabilities in the field of intralogistics: highlights include a fully automated warehouse and a fully automatic order-picking system for the beverage industry. Warehousing and order-picking technologies, plus some striking computer animations, will vividly communicate the world of Krones’ complete-system solutions for intralogistical applications.

For Krones and its clients, intralogistics signifies a highly appropriate horizontal expansion of the firm’s corporate capabilities, integrating warehousing technology into holistically conceived job packages, including the construction of complete factories. Because at all bottling plants intralogistics is a vital issue for a successful future.

South Hall / 4841

11.10.2008

Order bookings were up by 6.1 % during the first three quarters of 2008 compared to the preceding year, to reach Euro 1,870.4 m. The order backlog, at Euro 996.3 m, was 6.0 % higher on 30 September 2008 than the preceding year’s equivalent figure.

Earnings before taxes (EBT), at Euro 126.8 m, rose by 20.8 % in the year’s first nine months on a like-for-like basis. The EBT margin, meaning earnings before taxes in relation to sales, improved from 6.7 % to 7.2 %. Earnings after taxes were up by 31.3 % to reach Euro 86.8 m.

Outlook
Krones’ long term goal is to increase its revenues by 5 to 10 % each year. In view of the group’s good performance during the year’s first three quarters, the Executive Board expects that the growth in sales for 2008 will lie at the upper end of the forecast corridor, and that profits will exceed the Euro 2.3 bn mark. Earnings before taxes (the EBT margin) are set to improve still further in 2008 (preceding year: 7.1 %). Since the company is benefiting from the reform of German corporation tax, earnings after taxes will increase more substantially than pretax profits. Krones is thus well on course to achieve the ninth record year in succession in terms of both sales and profits.

Whether 2009 will prove to be a tenth record year is difficult to assess at present. The worldwide financial crisis is hitting the global economy hard. In view of the uncertainty surrounding the market’s future performance, it would be irresponsible at present to make anything more than a tentative prognosis for the 2009 business year. In its internal planning, however, Krones is proceeding on the assumption that following a possible dip in the first half of 2009 modest growth can again be anticipated in the year’s second half.

10.29.2008

For fast and reliable grouping of non-returnable packs, the newly developed Robobox constitutes a compact-size, versatile unit for pack turning and distribution, offering maximised scope for every variant of pack grouping. What’s absolutely new about the Robobox: during the entire turning and distribution operation, the packs are neatly guided by a gripper. Visitors to the Emballage can see the Robobox in action, together with the Modulpal 2A linear palletiser.

The new Sleevematic M sleeve labeller is the versatile solution from Krones for a wide range of dress variants, whether it’s full-sleeve, part-sleeve or tamper-evident sealing. As a modularized machine, the second generation exhibits even more compact dimensions. It can be put together from a choice of different reel holders and alternative shrinkage variants. Accessibility to the station has been improved, the functional dependability upgraded, and change-over of all handling parts has been simplified for concomitant gains in speediness.

A Sensometic VPVI probe-controlled filler in hygienic design and with reduced change-over times will be on show. As a counterpressure filler, the Sensometic VP is a highly versatile machine. The bandwidth of possible products here ranges from beer and alcoholic mixed beverages, plus all kinds of water and soft drinks to hotfill beverages like juice and fruit-juice-based drinks with and without pulp. The Sensometic filler is also available in a neck-handling variant for filling PET bottles. The filling valve, with its swirl insert, ensures reduced foaming and low oxygen pick-up. And this new filler design achieves remarkably low noise emission values.

Perfect label placement and correct date-coding are crucial to the quality of product packaging. When labels are inspected by the Checkmat EM, with its total of four cameras, a CCD camera checks that the labels are accurately positioned on the container. The system also detects whether the correct label has been applied for the product concerned. In addition, it can read numbers and lettering in plaintext, and thus check that the date-codes are correct and complete.

Intra-plant logistics is increasingly being recognised as a core process in production facilities. Krones took this trend on board at an early stage, and is able to offer users cost-efficient solutions for this exacting application as well. When it comes to logistics, or more precisely intralogistics, Krones provides all-inclusive concepts, utilising standard vendors for individual components of the overall system. This means that as a neutral integrator with a holistic approach to systems engineering, the company can provide every client with a material flow solution individually customised to his own particular needs.

In the new interactive internet portal called “LCS Remote Service”, Krones has grouped together all the existing online features being offered by its Lifecycle Service operation. With an appropriate access authorisation, both Krones customers and Krones staff will in future be able to access the portal all over the world, even during trips. For the first time, it incorporates all the LCS remote services, for direct utilisation. These include the Help Desk with assistance for technological questions, remote diagnostics and teleservice, the eGate and eCat spare parts catalogue and shop, plus agreement inquiries and the range of upgrade options, which every customer can in future generate himself for his own machinery.

In the special exhibition themed around “Sustainable Development “ in Hall 6, Krones will also be showcasing its "NitroPouch" concept study, which constitutes a new milestone in the field of lightweight beverage containers. 500 millilitres of still water can be “packaged” using just 6.6 grams of PET. The concept exemplifies the way Krones proactively tackles the never-ending challenge of creating a cost-efficient beverage plant with built-in eco-friendliness.

Hall 3 Stand F32

21.10.2008

The “PET lite 6.6” 500-ml bottle, which is based on the "NitroPouch" concept, constitutes a new milestone in the field of lightweight beverage containers. With a mere 6.6 grams of PET, 500 millilitres of still water can be “packaged”. The innovative features here include firstly dividing the bottle into different functional sections. In the upper section of the bottle, a small diameter has been chosen, thus achieving enhanced grip stability for the user. This grip area has been additionally reinforced with special grooves, so that at this point the bottle can even be labelled when empty. The lower section of the bottle is significantly larger in diameter – this is where the majority of the product is accommodated. The wall thickness in this area is less than 0.1 millimetres.

In addition, the bottle is stabilised with nitrogen, so that it does not collapse during transport and handling. During the filling process, a small quantity of liquid nitrogen is injected into the bottle, and gasifies after capping, thus ensuring an internal pressure of approx. 0.5 bar, which is sufficient for the bottle to be safely handled on the line, and transported on normal pallets. The mouthpiece developed specifically by Krones and Bericap for this bottle (without the neck ring otherwise customary) weighs a mere 1.3 grams; the closure, too, is sensationally light at 1.1 grams. The interaction of thread, closure, material distribution, design and the use of nitrogen was crucial in this breakthrough to achieve a bottle weight of just 6.6 grams.

For further information: http://www.krones.tv/en/

10.06.2008

Open training courses for skilling new staff
The Krones Academy supports Krones’ customers with appropriate skilling measures for new and existing staff. Besides the training provided when a new machine is purchased, the Academy’s catalogue also offers a choice of open training courses, which clients can select and book to suit their own specific needs. This option makes it even easier to send staff for training independently of a machinery purchase, and is available in the firm’s training centres worldwide for a variety of different target groups, like operators, maintenance staff, electricians and IT engineers, supervisors and plant managers.

Autonomous fill level inspection
The new Checkmat 753 HF from Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany, is a stand-alone solution for reliably detecting over- and underfills on the basis of high-frequency measurements. In contrast to X-ray or gamma-ray detection, the high-frequency process requires neither special permits nor elaborate safety precautions. “Plug and Work” after a minimised commissioning period is a reality here. The unit inspects up to 72,000 bottles an hour.

High-precision Krones empty-bottle inspector as an inline machine
In the shape of the Linatronic 735, Krones is presenting a compactly dimensioned empty-bottle inspector featuring high-precision IRIS technology, intelligent image processing for avoiding faulty rejections, and hygiene-friendly machine design featuring sloped outer surfaces. The inline unit inspects glass and plastic containers with diameters ranging from 50 to 110 mm, and with heights from 60 to 400 mm for damage and soiling, so that the product can then be bottled in a visually and hygienically flawless container.

Hall 7a / Stand 216

10.01.2008

The new Sleevematic M sleeve labeler is the versatile solution from Krones AG for a wide range of dress variants, whether it’s full-sleeve, part-sleeve or tamper-evident sealing. As a modularized machine, the second generation exhibits even more compact dimensions. It can be put together from a choice of different reel holders and alternative shrinkage variants. Accessibility to the station has been improved, the functional dependability upgraded, and change-over of all handling parts has been simplified for concomitant gains in speediness. The new Sleevematic M enables high speeds to be achieved in a one- or two-station version to suit the output desired. It has been designed for fast erection and commissioning.

The stand will also showcase a modularized labeler designed specifically for the US pharmaceutical industry. Besides being specially constructed to handle the small containers used in this industry, the machine also meets the requirements of America’s pharmaceutical companies for low conveyor heights of just 930 mm. A pneumatically controlled label magazine provides an option for handling outserts, with preparation of an automatic feed system. Two cameras at the container table detect the pressure-sensitive label and the outsert. A swivelling application wedge, including a web tightener, ensures that any incorrectly printed labels will not be applied to the actual container. The label remains on the carrier web. At the applicator rail, the labels are individually date-coded using laser technology for product serialization. The correspondingly prepared Prontomodule 720 is suitable for speeds of up to 18,000 containers an hour.

Also on show will be the blow module of a Contiform S24 stretch blow-molding machine, plus the newly developed oven in modularized construction, whose length is significantly easier to match to the customer’s own specific requirements, with concomitant savings in both money and space.

For fast and reliable grouping of non-returnable packs, the newly developed Robobox constitutes a compact-size, versatile unit for pack turning and distribution, offering maximized scope for every variant of pack grouping. What’s absolutely new about the Robobox: during the entire turning and distribution operation, the packs are neatly guided by a gripper. The transfer device can handle packs up to maximum dimensions of 400 x 400 mm and a top weight of 18 kg. By designing the grouping system with modules arranged one after the other for three different output gradations, the concept can be optimally matched to any desired line speed. Visitors to the Pack Expo will be able to see the Robobox in action, together with the liners Modulpal 2A palletiser.

Krones AG, South Hall, Stand 2466

09.18.2008

Corporate TV is being used for internal and external corporate communication, centred around orientation, transparency, responsiveness, emotions, identification and above all around services for the benefit of the firm’s customers and partners.

Krones Corporate TV offers seven channels. The “Technology” Channel, for example, provides information on new products and developments. “News” shows the most recent films, the latest of which is an interview with the Project Manager for enviro on the subject of: “How enviro are Krones’ machines?” The “Events” Channel keeps its viewers up to date on trade fairs and the like. On the “Careers” Channel, the topics addressed are job profiles, work and training at Krones.

Why is Corporate TV important? The information flow has grown to unprecedented dimensions: in view of this diversity, and the permanent shortage of precious time, Corporate TV, in particular, offers a fast, up-to-date moving-picture overview. Animations render complex causal connections and operations easily comprehensible.

Ever since it was founded, Krones has been characterised by future-focused action and innovative vigour. Which is why the world’s market leader is the first company in its chosen sector to launch its own Corporate TV.

The RSS function (“Really Simple Syndication”) provides an option for being swiftly informed of any new films.

08.06.2008

For the PET-Asept lines meanwhile established on the market, Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany, has developed a new generation of aseptic cappers that further improves cleanability and accessibility while still retaining the field-proven hygiene advantages involved. By relocating the servomotors upwards as drive elements, but keeping the control cams lower down, accessibility has been improved for care and maintenance. This design enhancement for the capper means that larger bottle diameters of up to 108 mm can now be handled as well. The new generation of cappers, moreover, is already being used in standard filler BLOCs.

08.05.2008

One of Krones’ principal growth drivers during the year’s first half was clients’ rising level of demand for complete, single-sourced job packages. Since the company offers the entire spectrum of products and services required for building bottling and canning plants, it is benefiting significantly from this trend. International corporations in particular, who are building an abundance of new factories in regions like Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa, are keen to make use of Krones’ full-service capabilities.

Profitability further upgraded
Earnings before taxes during the year’s first half, at 91.8 million euros, were up by 21.3 % on a like-for-like basis. The EBT margin (earnings before taxes in relation to sales) thus improved from 7.2 % to 7.6 %.
Profits after taxes rose by 31.1 %, from 47.6 to 62.4 million euros. Earnings per share during the period under review climbed from 1.49 to 1.98 euros.

Outlook
Krones’ long-term target is to increase its sales each year within a corridor of 5 to 10 %. In view of the group’s healthy performance in the year’s first half, and the auspicious prospects, the Executive Board expects growth in sales during 2008 to be near the upper end of the forecast corridor, with revenues exceeding 2.3 billion euros.

Krones is aiming to further improve the pretax return on sales (EBT margin) in 2008 (preceding year: 7.1 %). With an EBT margin of 7.6 % in the first half of this year, the company is well on the way to achieving this target. Since it is benefiting from the reform of the German corporation tax, earnings after taxes will show a steeper increase than their pretax equivalent.

07.29.2008

On the first Friday in July, Volker Kronseder, Krones’ Executive Board Chairman, accepted the key for the BMW Hydrogen 7 from Christoph von Tschirschnitz, Sales Manager Direct Customers, and the Clean Energy Team of BMW AG. This 7-series BMW is powered by hydrogen, and thus has well-nigh zero emissions. For a period of five weeks, the Krones board and Krones customers now have an opportunity to try out this new technology with hands-on immediacy.

“Regeneratively produced hydrogen ranks among the energy sources of the future. It contributes towards reducing CO² emissions. Vehicles with hydrogen-powered engines marry mobility to climate protection: this is ecologically beneficial and financially viable in the long term, fitting in ideally with Krones’ strategy of sustainability”, said Executive Board Chairman Volker Kronseder as the key was handed over.

Krones is already opting for reduced-consumption, low-emission cars in its vehicle fleet management. In the next few months, for example, the fleet will be supplemented by 15 VW Golf BlueMotions and 50 Ford Focus ECOnetics. The cars’ consumption and emission figures are well over ten per cent lower than for the conventional models. CO² emissions with the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion are a mere 119 g/km, and consumption is 4.5 litres per 100 km. With the Ford Focus ECOnetic, the corresponding figures are 115 g/km and 4.3 litres. The average consumption of all vehicles in Krones’ fleet, including trucks, vans and minibuses, is less than 7.2 litres per 100 km, and can thus be described as exemplary.

21.07.2008

Licher will be showcasing the new technology to optimum effect, because the brewery gets 20,000 visitors a year. The brewhouse is already being given an inviting glass frontage for enhanced visitor appeal; the brewing lines now in place will not be affected. Krones will be delivering the first tanks in August, and the entire brewhouse project will have been completed by the end of 2008, so that the new brewhouse can start operation at the beginning of 2009. This is all part of a long-term capital investment programme at the facility in Lich. To quote Dr. Ulrich Peters: “We’re also planning some further initiatives for modernising our brewery.”

07.10.2008

“I’ve enjoyed several in-house training events already, and they were very good, but this one was even more fruitful for me: the big difference was that the group was composed of people from different companies in the beverage bottling industry, which made for more extensive mutual feedback than if we had all come from inside the company” was the verdict from Michael Lutz, Country Manufacturing Manager Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria.

Two seminar blocks in six days
The event is divided up into two blocks of three days each. These are separated by a six-week interval, during which the participants can put into practice what they have learned and exchange views and insights. To quote Rudolf Wahl, a Senior Department Manager at the Bitburger Brewery: “Each participant comes from a different background. What I particularly liked was that we also addressed topics for which there is no patent remedy as yet.”

The first management seminar featured twelve participants from Germany itself, followed by another management seminar with conferees from other nations as well. The event was well received by those attending. To quote Roger Schmitt, a Department Manager at the Krombacher Brewery: “The Krones management seminar was in my view a complete success. I gained a lot of interesting insights and new ideas – thanks to the constructive and harmonious working atmosphere.”

In view of the fact that time is what managers are most short of, the Krones Academy thought seriously about whether the new format of two times three days provided genuine added value. Jörg Hans, Master Brewer at the Pfungstädter Brewery, had nothing but praise for the pilot seminar: “This was six brilliant days, split into the two seminar blocks. What I really liked, in addition to the mutual feedback, were the practical examples, the fireside evening with Volker Kronseder and the felicitous methods. It was a successful event, I hope we’ll soon be seeing each other again.” For the Krones Academy’s Director, Dr. Puma, it was “impressive to see how the participants here not only learned a lot, but were also able to utilise and upgrade their intercultural skills. I learned a lot myself as well, and really enjoyed taking part in the event.”

As from the autumn of 2008, management training events will then be a core constituent of the Krones Academy’s programme. In future, this advanced training option will be progressed on an expanded scale not only in Neutraubling but also in Johannesburg, Bangkok and São Paulo.

06.20.2008

Krones AG

Volker Kronseder
Chairman of the Board

05.15.2008

Dynamic growth in 2007 was driven primarily by continually increasing demand for packaging machinery. The company also benefits from its ability to offer the entire spectrum of products and services required for building bottling and canning plants. International beverage conglomerates in particular, who are building numerous new facilities in regions like Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa, make full use of Krones’ complete-job-package capabilities.

Profitability improved significantly
Earnings before taxes rose in 2007 by 40.1 % to reach 153.6 million euros. The EBT margin, i.e. pretax earnings in relation to sales, thus improved from 5.7 % to 7.1 %. For profits after taxes, Krones broke the 100-million-euros barrier for the first time in 2007. At 101.8 million euros, profits were 31.4 % up on the preceding year’s level. Earnings per share increased from 2.45 euros to 3.25 euros. The Executive and Supervisory Boards will propose to the AGM that the dividend per share be increased from 0.52 euros to 0.70 euros per share. This would be the ninth dividend increase in succession.
The return on capital employed (ROCE) improved in 2007 from 16 .1 % to 20.2 %, and thus exceeded the targeted figure of at least 20 %.

A good start to the 2008 business year
Krones achieved substantial growth in the first quarter of 2008, with sales up by 17.9 % on a like-for-like basis at 595.2 million euros. Order bookings rose by 9.0 % to reach 607.3 million euros. On 31 March, orders on hand at Krones totalled 903.0 million euros, 13.0 % up on the preceding year’s figure.

Earnings before taxes (EBT) rose in the year’s first quarter by 26.3 % to reach 45.6 million euros. The EBT margin thus improved from 7.1 % to 7.7 %. Profits after taxes rose by 34.1 % to reach 30.7 million euros, earnings per share from 0.72 euros to 0.98 euros.

Outlook
In the long term, Krones is targeting an annual increase in revenues of between 5 and 10 %. In view of a good first quarter and auspicious prospects, the Executive Board anticipates that sales growth in 2008 will lie towards the upper end of the forecast corridor, and that revenues will exceed 2.3 billion euros.

Krones aims to further improve the return on sales before taxes (EBT margin) in 2008 (preceding year: 7.1 %). Since the company benefits from the reform of Germany’s corporation tax legislation, earnings after taxes will increase more steeply than pretax earnings.

04.29.2008

Earnings before taxes (EBT) rose in the year’s first quarter by 26.3 % to reach 45.6 million euros. The EBT margin thus improved from 7.1 % to 7.7 %. Profits after taxes were up by 34.1 % at 30.7 million euros, with earnings per share increasing from 0.72 euros to 0.98 euros.

Outlook
In the long term, Krones is targeting an annual increase in revenues of between 5 and 10 %. In view of a good first quarter and auspicious prospects, the Executive Board anticipates that sales growth in 2008 will lie towards the upper end of the forecast corridor, and that revenues will exceed 2.3 billion euros.

Krones aims to improve the return on sales before taxes (EBT margin) still further in 2008 (preceding year: 7.1%). Since the company benefits from the reform of Germany’s corporation tax legislation, earnings after taxes will show a higher increase than the pretax profits.

04.29.2008

The healthy growth in 2007 (the eighth record year in succession) was driven primarily by the continuingly buoyant demand for packaging machinery. The company also benefits from being able to offer the entire range of products and services required for building bottling and canning facilities. Internationally operating beverage conglomerates who are building numerous new factories in regions like Eastern Europe, South America, Asia and Africa, are particularly prominent users of Krones’ full-service capabilities.

Profitability significantly upgraded – net income for the year exceeds 100 million euros
Krones invests substantial sums in its production operations, so as to work even more cost-efficiently. These initiatives bore fruit in 2007. The EBT margin, i.e. earnings before taxes in relation to sales, improved significantly from 5.7 % to 7.1 %. The company thus exceeded its targeted return for 2007. Pretax earnings rose by 40.1 % to reach 153.6 million euros.
For profits after taxes, Krones exceeded 100 million euros for the first time in 2007. At 101.8 million euros, profits were up by 31.4 % on the preceding year’s level.

The ROCE (Return on Capital Employed) improved in 2007 from 16.1 % to 20.2 % and was thus above the originally targeted figure of at least 20 %.

A solidly based balance sheet underpins further growth
The capital structure continues to exhibit a highly favourable ratio between equity and outside capital. On the balance sheet cutoff date, the equity capital was up by 12.6 %, resulting in a capital-to-assets ratio of 42.0 % (preceding year: 42.7 %). In addition, on 31 December 2007 the company possessed liquid funds amounting to 53.8 million euros.

Outlook
As a long-term target, Krones aims to increase its revenues each year within a corridor of 5 to 10 %. Thanks to the company’s good order situation in the initial months of the ongoing business year, and the auspicious outlook, the Executive Board expects the rise in sales during 2008 to reach the upper levels of the forecast corridor
Pretax earnings are set to increase at least in proportion to revenues. Since Krones is profiting from the reform of Germany’s Corporation Tax Act, earnings after taxes will in 2008 rise by a higher percentage than earnings before taxes.´

03.13.2008

At € 1,569.7 m, consolidated sales were up by 17 % on the preceding year. Domestic earnings in the year’s first three quarters climbed by 51 % to reach € 282.4 m. Domestic sales thus account for 18 % of consolidated turnover (preceding year: 14 %). The figures were equally gratifying in the year’s first nine months for South America, Russia and China.

In the months of July to September 2007, Krones’ growth accelerated. On a like-for-like basis, sales were up by 22.8 % at € 515.8 m. in contrast to the preceding years, the third quarter of 2007 did not see the customary severe seasonal dip in the figures. Besides the favourable state of the business cycle, this is also attributable to improved internal processes

Order bookings and backlog at record levels
Order bookings improved during the year’s first nine months by 20.9 % on a like-for-like basis, to reach € 1,762.8 m. In the year’s third quarter alone, the company booked orders worth € 653.3 m (preceding year: € 516.5 m). In the months of July to September, major orders were booked from Germany and abroad.

On 30 September 2007, the order backlog was 16.2 % up on the preceding year’s figure, at € 939.9 m. Thanks to good production capacity utilisation, the company is able to adopt a selective approach to order acceptance, and ignore those that are commercially unappealing.

Pretax earnings after nine months 37.4 % up on the preceding year
Pretax earnings rose in the year’s first three quarters by 37.4 % to reach € 105.0. The pretax return on sales (EBT margin), at 6.7 % after nine months, still hovers below the margin target for the year as a whole, which is more than 7 %. The reason for this is that due to seasonal factors earnings in the year’s third quarter are not as strong as in the others. Compared to the preceding year’s equivalent period (EBT margin: 5.7 %), however, the return has risen significantly. Besides the measures taken in the past for optimising internal processes and cutting costs, the rise in margin is also attributable to the better quality of earnings.

In the year’s third quarter, Krones achieved earnings before taxes of € 29.3 m, 81 % up on the preceding year’s figure. The EBT margin was 5.7 % (preceding year: 3.9 %).

Profits after taxes rose in the first nine months of 2007 by 36.3 % to reach € 66.1 m. Earnings per share improved to € 2.10 (preceding year: € 1.52).

Outlook
Krones is profiting from the favourable status of the business cycle, and the firm’s strong position on its chosen markets. The demand for our products from Germany and abroad is accordingly expected to remain high over the further course of the year.

The Executive Board anticipates that in the 2007 business year sales will exceed € 2 bn for the first time. Growth in earnings is expected to reach more than 12 %. The corporate focus, however, will continue to lie not on sales growth alone, but also on profitability. The firm’s efficiency has already been upgraded, and the processes involved are being continually improved.

Krones is therefore aiming to significantly increase its pretax earnings in 2007 as a whole. The target for the pretax return on sales is more than 7 %. For the return on capital employed (ROCE), Krones is aiming for 20 %. With the sales and earnings achieved in the first nine months of 2007, Krones has come significantly closer to its targets for the 2007 business year, and is more than confident that it will also achieve them.

10.29.2007

On 22 August 2007 the stock split approved by Krones AG’s AGM will take effect, at a ratio of 1 to 3. Following the capital increase from company funds, from this date onwards three shares will take the place of one previous share. As from 22 August 2007, the Krones stock will be listed “ex split”. This means that mathematically the price will be reduced, but this will not affect the total value for the shareholders.

The custodian banks will rebook the portfolios in accordance with their status on 21 August 2007 (evening). Each shareholder will receive two additional new shares for one old one. The change-over procedure for the securities accounts will be handled automatically, and is free of charge for the shareholders.
With the stock split, Krones is aiming to encourage trading in its shares,and render the stock even more attractive to small investors.

17.08.2007

Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany, the world’s market leader for beverage filling and packaging technology, progressed its thrust for growth in the first half of 2007.
Compared to the preceding year, sales rose by 14.5 % to reach 1,053.9 million euros. During the period under review, the company profited from general economic growth worldwide and the continuing boom in its chosen sector. The trend for beverages to be bottled increasingly in plastic containers (PET) continued unbroken during the period under review. Krones was swift to put the requisite corporate capabilities in place and is the world’s market leader for PET lines.

Krones achieved significantly increased sales during the first six months of 2007 not only in boom regions like China and Russia, but also in South Amercia and in Scandinavia. Turnover in Germany, too, which in the period under review accounted for 19.5 % (preceding year: 15.8 %) of total revenues, was up on the previous year. In the USA and Western Europe, sales roughly maintained the preceding year’s exceptionally high level during the first six months of 2007.

In the second quarter of 2007, Krones’ sales, at € 548.9 m, were 17.1 % up on the preceding year’s equivalent figure.

High growth in order bookings and backlog
Major orders from Germany and abroad saw order bookings improve during the year’s first half by 17.8 % on a like-for-like basis, to 1,109.5 million euros. Order bookings in the months of April to June 2007 were 21.8 % up on the preceding year’s figure.

On 30 June 2007, orders on hand at Krones totalled € 802.3 m, 12.7 % up on the preceding year’s figure. Compared to the end of 2006, the order book was fuller by € 55.6 m. The high order backlog provides a more solid foundation for the company’s corporate planning, and enables it to attach higher priority to profitability in the orders it accepts.

Pretax earnings up by 25.7 %
Krones’ earnings performance continued to improve during the first half of 2007. Earnings before taxes were up by 25.7 % compared to the first six months of 2006, at € 75.7 m. The return on sales before taxes (EBT margin) reached 7.2 % (preceding year’s period: 6.5 %), exceeding the original target of 7 %.

At € 39.6 m, earnings before taxes were up on the preceding year’s level by 33.3 % in the second quarter of 2007. The EBT margin reached 7.2 %.

Profits after taxes improved during the year’s first half by 24.9 % to reach € 47.6 m (preceding year: € 38.1 m). On a quarterly comparison, the figure increased to € 24.7 m in the year’s second quarter, following € 19.0 m in the equivalent period of 2006, a rise of 30 %.

Earnings per share in the first half of 2007 were € 4.47 (preceding year: € 3.57) and in the year’s second quarter € 2.31 (preceding year: € 1.79).

Outlook
With the sales and earnings achieved in the first half of 2007, Krones has come a good deal closer to its targets for the 2007 business year. The company is benefiting from the auspicious macro-economic climate. In addition, its strong position as a provider of holistically conceived job packages is paying off.

Krones anticipates that in the 2007 business year its sales will for the first time significantly exceed € 2 bn. But the focus continues to be not only on sales growth alone, but also on profitability. Krones has already upgraded its corporate efficiency, and will be continually improving its internal processes.

In the ongoing business year, Krones is aiming for a significant improvement in earnings before taxes. Return on sales before taxes should reach more than 7 %. For the return on capital employed (ROCE), Krones is targeting 20 %.

07.25.2007

Neutraubling, 20 June 2007 – At today’s 27th Annual General Meeting of Krones AG, all the items on the agenda proposed by the Executive and Supervisory Boards for ratification were approved by large majorities. Besides increasing the dividend to 1.60 euros per share (preceding year: 1.40 euros), the AGM also approved a stock split in a ratio of 1 to 3. Following registration and implementation of the requisite capital increase from company funds, one share certificate will be replaced by three. Each shareholder will thus additionally receive two new shares for each old one. “With the stock split., we aim to upgrade the liquidity and trading of our shares, so as to render the stock even more attractive to broad categories of investor”, says Krones’ Financial Director Hans-Jürgen Thaus.

06.20.2007

Following a record year in 2006, Krones, Neutraubling, Germany, continued to perform strongly in the first quarter of 2007. Sales revenues, for example, rose by 11.8 % compared to the preceding year, to reach 505.0 million euros, with order bookings up by an impressive 14 %, at 557.1 million euros. At the end of March 2007, the order backlog at Krones totalled 798.8 million euros, 9.8 % above the preceding year’s figure.

Pretax profits were 18.4 % up at 36.1 million euros. With a pretax return on sales of 7.1 %, we achieved our target figure of 7 % in the first quarter of 2007. Profits after tax rose by 19.9 % to reach 22.9 million euros, so that net earnings per share improved from the preceding year’s figure of 1.79 euros to reach 2.17 euros in the year’s first quarter.

Outlook
Since the prospects for the business cycle remain auspicious and our clients are investing substantial sums, we are targeting new records for sales revenues and profits in 2007. Over the year as a whole, we aim to upsize our sales revenues by between 7 % and 12 %, which will mean our sales will exceed 2 billion euros for the first time.

The principal focus, however, is on profitability rather than growth. We have already upgraded the firm’s efficiency, and will be continuously improving the processes involved. The easing pressure on prices should accordingly provide a sustained boost to our profit margins. In the ongoing business year, Krones is targeting a pretax return on sales of 7.0 % (preceding year: 5.9 %).

26.04.2007

With a turnover of 1.911 bn euros,
profits increased by 22.3 % to 77.5 m euros
Stock split at a ratio of one-for-three is planned

In the trading year 2006, the world's market leader in the field of beverage filling lines and packaging machinery, Krones AG, Germany, upped its sales by 12.7 % over the previous year to reach 1.911 bn euros. Due to continuous improvement in productivity and business processes, the profits before tax increased by 20.3 % to 109.6 m euros.

The net income for the year grew by 22.3 %, hitting 77.5 m euros. The profits after tax for 2006 have been influenced by exceptional factors. The resulting marginal tax rate reflects unique events resulting from a change in German Corporation Tax Law and the tax burden of the previous years.
By the end of the year 2006, the Krones group was employing 9,165 people, 1.5 % more than in the previous year.
Besides the higher sales, the leading market position of Krones AG is reflected in the orders received, which increased by 13.3 %, totalling 1.967 bn euros.
Due to the increased profit quality of this strong order inflow in the business year 2006, which continued in the first two months of 2007, sales of approximately one billion euros and a 7 % return on sales before tax for the first half of 2007 are forecast.

Executive Board and Supervisory Board propose a stock split
With a most recent price of more than 139 euros, the Krones share has hit a record high.
To further stimulate trading with our stock and to make the shares even more attractive to a wide circle of investors, the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board of Krones AG will propose a stock split at a ratio of one-to-three to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders taking place on 20. June 2007. (The stockholders will receive two additional shares for each Krones share held.) The necessary increase of share capital is to coincide along with a capital increase from the company's own resources.

03.21.2007

Significant increases in sales and profits in 2006
Dividend to rise from 1.40 to 1.60 euros per share

In 2006, the plant and machinery manufacturer Krones, Neutraubling, Germany, continued its series of improved results in terms of sales and profits for the seventh year in succession. The 9,165 employees (+ 1.5 % compared with the previous year) generated a turnover of 1.91 billion euros, approximately 12.7 % up on the previous year’s figure. Net income for the year grew by 20 %, compared with the previous year, subject to confirmation by the accountants.

The high demand for the products of the world’s market leader in filling and packaging technology is reflected in the orders received, which increased in 2006 by 13.3 % to reach approximately € 1.97 bn (2005: € 1.74 bn).
The net liquidity – almost 57 million € at the end of the year – reflects the company’s financial performance, with no liabilities to the banks.

Increased dividend and positive stock price development
The capital market has gained substantially from this development. In 1999, the Krones share started at a price of € 19.80. With a most recent price of € 133.25 (20 February 2007), the Krones share has yielded capital gains of more than 570 %. For 2006, a dividend of € 1.60 (2005: € 1.40) is to be distributed per share.

Outlook
The rates of growth and profits show Krones’ strength in a sector that was dominated by fierce price competition.
Due to the order situation, the Executive Board is confident of achieving a return on sales after tax of 7 % for the first half of 2007 (first half of 2006: approx. 6.5 %). In the first six months of 2007, Krones’ turnover will reach approximately € 1 bn (first half of 2006: € 920 million). 

This forecast is backed up by a backlog totalling € 747 million by early 2007 (+ 8 % compared with the previous year) and by the strong order inflow during the first two months of the ongoing year.

With internal measures, such as the innovation thrust and the pact for safeguarding employment and the production facilities, Krones has significantly increased its efficiency and created a basis for future growth in profits. If the price situation does not worsen considerably, the Executive Board expects a medium–term return on sales before tax of at least 7 %.

In parallel to this, Krones is targeting an annual growth in sales of at least 5 to 10 %. The company expects above-average growth rates in process technology and in the high-yield Life-Cycle-Services sector. Besides organic growth, Krones also plans medium-term business expansion with further acquisitions.

02.27.2007

With its business figures for the months of July, August and September, and in the total for the year’s first three quarters, Krones has improved on the preceding year’s equivalent results. The specialist manufacturer for machines and complete lines in the bottling, canning and packaging sectors, headquartered in Neutraubling near Regensburg, Germany, again reports buoyant business, a success increasingly manifest on the domestic market as well.

Sales rose by 11.0 % to reach 1,340.4 million euros during the year’s first nine months, a notable achievement in view of the continuing price war encountered. The sustainedly healthy level of demand produced a new record of 516.5 million euros in order bookings during the year’s third quarter, a rise reflecting Krones’ achievement in further expanding its market status despite continuingly fierce pressure of competition.

As a result of enhanced productivity levels in the ongoing year, efficacious cost-cutting programmes and comprehensive process optimisation initiatives, moreover, Krones has further upgraded its profitability. Earnings after taxes in the year’s first three quarters came to 48.5 million euros, up by 7.1 % on the preceding year’s equivalent period. Earnings before taxes, at 76.4 million euros for the nine-month period, represent an increase of 14.5 % on a like-for-like basis.

Earnings have of course been adversely affected by external factors, such as continuing predatory competition and rising costs for materials, but for 2006 as a whole, the figures for the past nine months augur an approximately double-figure growth in sales.
Krones also anticipates an improved return on sales. For 2007, Krones will be focusing on further growth in earnings, ahead of increased sales.

The buoyant state of the economy at the beginning of this year, plus the continuing health of the business cycle, progressively spreading to the domestic market as well, are reflected in very good business figures at Krones AG, Neutraubling, for the months from January to March. The world’s market leader for beverage filling and packaging lines is thus building on its good results from the previous year.

Compared with the preceding year’s equivalent period, Krones achieved double-figure growth rates for order bookings (up by 10.6 % to 488.5 million euros) and sales (up by 11.6 % to 451.6 million euros) – and almost, as well, for earnings after taxes, which rose by 9.8 % to reach 19.1 million euros.

Krones sees the current business figures, combined with the continuingly stable macro-economic situation and the sustained demand for complete filling lines and packaging machines (the order backlog of 727.5 million euros is 6.0 % up on the preceding year) as providing favourable preconditions for successfully continuing the growth performance of recent years.

The group, employing 9,012 people worldwide (as of 31 March) is planning to upgrade its productivity across its entire operations. For this purpose, Krones has already invested 17.2 million euros, predominantly in its German facilities, during the year’s first three months. Total investment budgeted for 2006 comes to more than 70.0 million euros.

For 2006, Krones is targeting not only sales growth of between five and ten per cent, but primarily a sustained increase in earnings, driven both by a continuous process of improvement throughout the company and by cost-cutting effects from the worktime model.

In the past business year 2005, too, the plant and machinery manufacturer Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany, continued its series of improved results in terms of sales, order bookings and profits.

The world’s market leader in the field of beverage filling lines and packaging machinery upped its sales by 11.9 % over the previous year to reach 1.695 bn euros, a figure boosted particularly by a strong last quarter to the year.
In particular, the rising demand for water bottling lines, plus the continuing trend towards beverage packages made of PET, both of them numbered among Krones’ specialities, have contributed to this exceptional surge in sales.

Krones also achieved vigorous growth in its order bookings, up by 11.7 % at 1.735 bn euros compared with the preceding year, thanks not least to orders totalling 120 m euros that Krones won during the beverage industry’s drinktec 2005 trade fair. The company’s profits after tax come to 63.4 m euros, a 2.2 % increase in net income for the year. Profit margins in 2005 were severely hit by the struggle for market share in a fiercely competitive price-driven business environment.

Krones’ export quota rose in 2005 to 87 %, following 82 % in 2004. Almost 55 % of orders came from outside Europe, 32 % from Europe itself, and a mere 13 % from Germany, compared to 18 % in the preceding year, a drop reflecting the declining level of capital investment in the firm’s domestic market.

For 2006, Krones expects sales to rise still further, boosted not least by contributions from new lines of business. With increased investment totalling 69 m euros, Krones aims to upgrade its facilities in Germany, to increase its productivity by purposeful optimisation of all business processes, and on these foundations to improve its earnings still further.

With double-figure growth rates for sales and order bookings, Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany, is maintaining its corporate momentum. The world’s market leader for beverage filling and packaging lines increased its sales in the first half of 2006 by almost 100 million euros to reach 920.4 million euros – 12.1 % up on a like-for-like basis. Krones achieved an even more striking rise in order bookings, which grew by 12.4 % in the year’s first half, to reach 941.9 million euros.

Krones has also reported a significant improvement in profits. Pretax earnings of 60.2 million euros are up by 13.2 % on the preceding year’s equivalent period, producing a return on sales of 6.5 %. Profit after taxes, at 38.1 million euros, rose by 5.2 % in the year’s first six months – despite continuing pressure on both prices and earnings.

Krones remains cautiously optimistic of sustained success in the ongoing business year.