Investments
Slightly lower investments
In 2016, investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets amounted to CHF 139.1 million, CHF 8.2 million or 5.6% less than in the previous year. As a percentage of net sales, the investment ratio was 5.0% (previous year 5.7%). All larger investment projects were carried out as planned.
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (in CHF million) |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | |
| 86.0 | 98.0 | 104.8 | 147.3 | 139.1 | |
| In % of net sales | 4.5 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
The bulk of investments went toward machinery, building conversions and new building projects, and the procurement of tools and moulds for new products. The biggest project was the expansion of the logistics centre in Pfullendorf (DE), which will commence operations in spring 2017. Additionally, investments were made in important development projects and the further optimisation of production processes.
In 2016, 41% of total investments, or CHF 57.7 million, went toward expanding infrastructure, 16% or CHF 22.9 million was used to acquire tools and equipment for new product developments, 29% or CHF 39.7 million was invested in the modernisation of property, plant and equipment, while 14% or CHF 18.8 million was used for rationalisation measures relating to property, plant and equipment.