Company Press What's new

7% growth, robust balance sheet ratios

With increasing internationalisation, the successful introduction of new products and investments in modern production technologies, the Duravit Group has continued to consolidate its good market position.

In 2012, turnover was 378 million Euros, which is a clear increase of 7.0% compared with the previous year. Despite difficult economic conditions, the operative result and cash flow remained stable. The equity ratio improved considerably, increasing from 36.5% to 42.4%. In the first year since CEO Prof. Dr. Frank Richter took up office, the balance-sheet structure of the manufacturer of designer bathrooms has continued to improve. “Our market success is reflected in a good financial situation, as well as in positive bank ratings. This gives us the scope to set up our company for further national and international market cultivation in the future, for example by increasing development activities”, says Prof. Frank Richter. "We aim to continue to strengthen the Duravit brand by means of original design, innovative technologies and the highest quality standards.”

In 2012, the company intensified its marketing activities and, by introducing new products such as SensoWash C or the multi-award-winning OpenSpace shower enclosure, highlighted its own high standards in terms of design and technology. The new products introduced at the beginning of 2013 generated very positive response; they included the DuraStyle and Happy D.2 complete bathroom series, as well as the X-large universal bathroom furniture series.

China, Egypt, the USA and Great Britain in particular all contributed to the growth. Duravit also made very good progress in India with the optimization of its own factory and market development. With 33 affiliated companies and a presence in more than 120 countries, the total international share of turnover was about 80%. Overall, business was stable in Germany. The company continues to focus on the sales channel via wholesale partners and fitters. Furthermore, the company invested most in Germany. This year, too, important investments will be made in the factories and IT area. In Meißen, the “technology in the bathroom” exhibition will be realigned, not least in order to put the extensive local seminar programme on an even more professional level.

In 2012, the Duravit Group further expanded its workforce and now has 5,705 employees worldwide (2.7% more than the previous year). 58 trainees and students from 20 different cooperative state universities were employed in Germany. In November 2012, Duravit started with the second round of international Duravit leadership programmes with the aim of qualifying employees from its own ranks for various responsibilities, including management tasks. A total of 17 participants take part in an 18-month training programme and work on interdisciplinary, international projects.

Duravit’s production consistently focuses on ecological standards. The company’s sites in Hornberg, Meißen, Schenkenzell, Bischwiller and China have already been certified to DIN ISO 14001 and energy management DIN ISO 50001. The Duravit factory in Turkey will follow in 2013.