#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2024-07-25

Autoneum delivers significant increase in operating result

Autoneum significantly increased its revenue consolidated in Swiss francs by CHF 109.8 million to CHF 1 212.3 million compared to the prior-year period, supported by inorganic growth. In a slightly declining market, the Company succeeded in increasing its EBIT margin excluding special effects by 1.3 percentage points to 5.4%. A solid net result of CHF 36.1 million was generated in the first half-year of 2024. Due to the positive margin development, the Company now expects an EBIT margin of 5.0% to 5.5% for the current financial year (previously 4.5% to 5.5%).

In the first half of 2024, automotive industry production volumes were somewhat restrained worldwide and even declined slightly in Europe. While economic conditions in the automotive supply industry have improved to a certain extent since the coronavirus crisis, high vehicle prices in some markets were putting a damper on demand. Only North America and Asia recorded slight growth compared to the same period of the previous year.

Despite the flat market development, Autoneum managed to significantly increase both revenue and profitability before special effects over the prior-year period. This positive development was achieved through the automotive business of traditional German company Borgers, which had been acquired as of April 1, 2023, and thus contributed for the first time to the entire reporting period. At the same time, Autoneum achieved operational improvements worldwide.

Revenue increases considerably thanks to inorganic growth

At Group level, Autoneum’s revenue in local currencies increased by a significant 15.1% in the first half of 2024. At 0.3%, organic revenue growth was slightly above the market, which declined by 0.2%*. In addition, there was inorganic growth in local currencies of 14.8% due to the first-time inclusion of Borgers Automotive for the entire first half-year. Overall, Autoneum managed to outgrow the market significantly. Compared to the prior-year period, revenue consolidated in Swiss francs rose by CHF 109.8 million to CHF 1 212.3 million (prior-year period: CHF 1 102.6 million). Excluding negative currency translation effects of CHF 56.6 million, revenue climbed to CHF 1 269.0 million.

Operating results rises significantly

EBIT in the first half of 2024 climbed by CHF 20.8 million to CHF 65.8 million (prior-year period excluding special effects: CHF 45.0 million) and the EBIT margin improved accordingly by 1.3 percentage points to 5.4% (prior-year period excluding special effects: 4.1%). This is largely attributable to continuous operational improvements, particularly in Business Group North America. Autoneum achieved a net result of CHF 36.1 million (prior-year period: CHF 51.5 million). This represents a substantial improvement in profitability, since the prior-year period included positive net special effects.

Free cash flow, equity ratio and net debt improve

The free cash flow of CHF 39.1 million (prior-year period excluding acquisition-related special effects: CHF 30.6 million) reflects the strong operating performance. It includes investments in tangible assets of CHF 28.6 million (prior-year period: CHF 21.7 million). Thanks in particular to the net result achieved and the positive foreign currency effects recognized directly in equity, in the first half of 2024 equity ratio increased by 2.2 percentage points to 34.4% as of June 30, 2024 (December 31, 2023: 32.1%). Group equity increased accordingly by CHF 53.0 million to CHF 590.0 million in the reporting period. Thanks to the free cash flow generated, net debt (excluding lease liabilities) was reduced further compared with year-end 2023 and stood at CHF 173.6 million as of the reporting date (December 31, 2023: CHF 177.8 million).

N-Join1: an innovative, adhesive-free carpet that supports the circular economy

Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly looking for recycling solutions for end-of-life vehicles to meet sustainability targets and comply with new regulations that are accelerating the automotive industry’s transition toward a circular economy. In response, Autoneum has developed the N-Join1 carpet. This innovative, monomaterial carpet system, made from recycled materials, eliminates the need for latex and adhesives, thereby offering an eco-friendly solution for vehicle interiors.

Acquisition of majority shareholding in Jiangsu Huanyu Group by Autoneum successfully completed

The acquisition of a majority stake of 70 percent in the Chinese automotive supplier Jiangsu Huanyu Group, which was announced in November 2024, was completed with effect from February 28, 2025, following approval by the authorities. As a result, Business Group Asia secures access to all major Chinese manufacturers and significantly increases its annual revenue.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

T-CAN – Revolutionizing can transport

In virtually all spinning mills, transporting sliver cans is still done manually. Rising labor costs, lack of operators and increasing quality requirements make this a growing challenge. With T-CAN, Trützschler introduces a practical solution: a fully automated can transport system that will be presented live at ITMA ASIA 2025 in Singapore.

Francois Guetat joins Suominen as COO

Francois Guetat brings over two decades of global experience in operations, supply chain, and manufacturing excellence. Most recently, he served as SVP of Integrated Supply Chain at Kalmar, where he led business across sourcing, manufacturing, logistics and strategy. His leadership has been shaped by 22 years at Volvo, where he held key roles in Sweden, USA, and Poland.

DuPont™ Nomex® plant in Asturias receives ISCC PLUS certification

DuPont announced today that its Nomex® production facility in Tamón, Asturias, has received International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS) certification. This achievement underscores DuPont's commitment to advancing its sustainability goals and building capabilities to provide reliable Nomex® solutions from sustainable raw materials worldwide.

From concept to stage: Submit presentations for the Techtextil Forum and Texprocess Forum 2026 now

Anyone who wants to contribute to shaping the future of the textile industry can submit a presentation for the Techtextil and Texprocess Forum by 15 December 2025. Both stages represent innovation and practical solutions and promote exchange between research and industry. An international Programme Committee selects the contributions and curates a programme on key future topics in the textile sector. From 21 to 24 April 2026, the two leading trade fairs will once again be the centre of global business dialogue in Frankfurt.