A global market leader for solutions and systems used to manufacture polymer processing solutions, the Polymer Processing Solutions Division is represented by the brands Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag, Oerlikon Nonwoven and Oerlikon HRSflow. The division’s solutions enable customers to produce high-quality synthetic fibers that are processed into clothing, carpets, airbags, safety belts, hygiene products, geotextiles and industrial textiles.
With INglass, the division offers innovative hot runner systems to help customers produce complex and accurate polymer parts that require high design flexibility, fast color change and low weight. The division also provides consulting, engineering and life-cycle management services and is at the forefront in developing Industry 4.0-based smart plant solutions.
The division achieved record orders and sales in 2021 and accounted for 52% of the Oerlikon Group’s 2021 sales and 48% of Group EBITDA. Order intake in 2021 increased significantly by 32.4% to CHF 1 452 million year-over-year. Sales also increased notably by 28.7% to CHF 1 366 million, including a positive currency impact of 2.4%.
Operational EBITDA improved to CHF 213 million, or 15.6% of sales, compared to CHF 151 million, or 14.2% of sales in 2020.
In 2021, the division saw sales increase across all regions, particularly in India and the US. China accounted for 64%, India 10%, Europe 14%, North America 5%, rest of Asia 5% and other regions of the world 2% of division sales.
The Xinfengming Group invested in innovative staple fiber technology from Oerlikon Neumag. This was the largest staple fiber plant order in the history of Oerlikon Neumag with this customer. This plant consists of eight complete staple fiber lines with a total of 320 spinning positions for the production of synthetic staple fibers. Oerlikon will not only supply the technology, but will also take over the engineering of the lines. Delivery is scheduled for 2022.
In 2021, Oerlikon sold three Phantom / Phantom lite lines to customers in China. Phantom technology is the patented process for hybrid nonwovens which combines the best of airlaid and spunmelt technologies to deliver new, flexible ways of creating wet and dry wipes. It offers additional benefits by reducing resources and cost, while increasing overall performance. These nonwovens are used in a broad range of hygiene applications, including wet wipes, personal hygiene products, surgical and anti-bacterial wipes, substrate for pads and hygienic core for diapers.
In November 2021, Oerlikon signed a cooperation agreement with the city of Wuxi and the local industrial park planning department for the construction of a new production building for the manufacturing site in Wuxi, China. The new production building is planned to be completed in 2023.
In 2021, the division acquired INglass, accelerating its strategy to expand into the high-growth polymer processing solutions market. Oerlikon HRSflow, the new brand that ensued from the acquisition, has a market-leading innovative hot runner systems technology for multiple industries, from automotive, consumer goods and household appliances to packaging, waste management, construction and transportation.
