SLM Solutions: Strong new order intake as of December 17
Luebeck, Germany, December 19, 2014 – Already before the end of the year, SLM Solutions Group AG, a leading provider of metal-based additive manufacturing technology (often referred to as "3D printing technology"), has slightly exceeded the expectations that it set for itself for new order intake for 2014. New order intake of 53 machines as of December 17, 2014 reflects growth of 112 percent compared with the previous year's level (December 17, 2013: 25 machines).
CFO Uwe Bögershausen summarises the situation as follows: "As expected, we received most of our orders in the third and fourth quarters. This is not only connected with our customers' budget planning, but also with the fact that EuroMold, the most important sector trade fair, is held in November. This year, we were able to conclude a lot of additional business with our customers there, allowing us to once again accelerate our growth rate before the year-end."
At this year's EuroMold, which took place in Frankfurt am Main between November 24 and 28, SLM Solutions received its largest individual order in its corporate history to date, among other orders. The expert additive manufacturing company FIT Fruth Innovative Technologien GmbH, based in Lupburg (Upper Palatinate), ordered five units of the SLM 500HL flagship product. FIT Fruth utilises SLM Solutions' machines for serial production of transmission components for the automotive sector, for example. "The fact that a contract manufacturer such as FIT Fruth awards us such a large order is genuine proof of their confidence in our technology," adds Bögershausen: "EuroMold played a decisive role in helping us to already exceed our full-year targets by mid-December."
CEO Dr. Markus Rechlin also expresses his satisfaction: "Firstly, we are observing that our industrial customers are increasingly placing orders for several machines in order to deploy them in the direct manufacturing of complex components. This year we have received a total of seven so-called multi- machine orders – compared with not a single one last year. Secondly, we are seeing repeat purchases, as well as orders from new customers in growth regions such as Japan. I am particularly pleased that our flagship SLM 500HL is being ordered increasingly frequently. Thanks to its multi- laser technology, this is the most productive laser melting system on the market – and clearly, the news is spreading."
Up until December 17, 2014, a total of 8 machines of the SLM 125HL type had been ordered in the course of the year 2014, as well as 35 machines of the SLM 280HL type, and 10 units of the largest machine, the SLM 500HL.
About the company
SLM Solutions Group AG, headquartered in Luebeck, Germany, is a leading provider of metal-based additive manufacturing technology (also commonly referred to as “3D printing”). The company's shares are traded in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. SLM Solutions focuses on the development, assembly and sales of machines and integrated system solutions in the field of selective laser melting, vacuum and metal casting. SLM Solutions currently employs over 100 members of staff in Germany, the USA and Singapore. The products are utilised worldwide by customers in particular from the aerospace, energy, healthcare and automotive industries. SLM Solutions stands for technologically advanced, innovative and highly efficient integrated system solutions.