The division accounted for 48% of Oerlikon’s sales and 52% of Group operational EBITDA in 2021. Offering products and services under the brands of Oerlikon Balzers, Oerlikon Metco and Oerlikon AM, the division capitalized on gradual market recovery in general industries, automotive and tooling. The aerospace market continued to be impacted by pandemic-related challenges, though Oerlikon noted a slight recovery in the second half of 2021, albeit off a low base. Effective cost programs were successfully executed, resulting in noticeably improved operating profitability.
Division Reports
Order intake (CHF)
1.3 bn
Sales (CHF)
1.3 bn
Operational EBITDA margin
17.9%
Sites
171
Employees (FTE)
7250
R&D expenditure (CHF)
73 m
Order intake for the division in 2021 increased by 17.6% to CHF 1 345 million. Sales of CHF 1 283 million were 7.2% higher, including an adverse currency impact of 0.8%. In Q4 2021, order intake increased 8.3% while sales increased 2.1%. Q4 2021 was impacted by automotive shortages while Q4 2020 saw restocking.
2021 operational EBITDA significantly improved by 30.3% to CHF 230 million, or 17.9% of sales, supported by sales growth and cost efficiency. In Q4 2021, the operational EBITDA margin was impacted by shortages in high-margin businesses (e.g. tooling and auto) and the non-repeat of the positive effects in Q4 2020.
Operational EBIT in 2021 was CHF 72 million in 2021, or 5.6% of sales (2020: CHF 11 million, or 0.9% of sales). Unadjusted EBITDA was CHF 232 million, or 18.0% of sales, compared to CHF 144 million, or 12.0% of sales in 2020, and unadjusted EBIT was CHF 66 million, or 5.1% of sales (2020: CHF -32 million, or -2.7% of sales).
Key Developments
In 2021, the division saw sales increase in Asia-Pacific, Europe and other regions. Europe accounted for 45%, Asia-Pacific 33% (China 15%, India 4%, rest of Asia 13%), North America 18% and other regions of the world 5% of division sales.
Oerlikon Balzers signed a ten-year contract with MTU Aero Engines to apply MTU’s proprietary erosion-resistant coating, ERCoat, on aerofoil components of next generation GTF aeroengines used in the Airbus A320neo aircraft. The coating will help to further improve the efficiency of this engine. MTU Aero Engines is partnering with Pratt & Whitney on this engine.
Oerlikon delivered the 1 000 th additively manufactured bicycle component to Urwahn and is partnering with them to codevelop further 3D products. Oerlikon AM secured the agreement to be the series supplier for Leica Hexagon Metrology’s market-leading 3D laser scanner AS1.
In 2021, the division acquired Coeurdor – a leading full-service provider of components for the fast-growing luxury goods industry. Coeurdor’s creativity, agility and fast turnaround to meet customers’ needs in the highly demanding luxury market complements Oerlikon’s offering in the high-end deco market and positions Oerlikon to grow in the luxury components business.
