Nine months into the financial year, Komori can report an increase in sales but a drop in incoming orders, reflecting both the hump in orders caused by Drupa and the challenging economic conditions prevailing. At the same time the company more than doubled its operating profits.
In terms of new orders received, North America, greater China and the rest of the world suffered while Japan and Europe were effectively static. But in sales terms, North America led the way with a 76% increase despite Trump’s tariffs.
This is because of large orders for security presses from the US Federal Reserve and thanks to demand for large presses from stronger companies. The company has managed to increase its prices in order to cover the amount paid in tariffs.
European sales rose 20% thanks to fulfilment of orders received after Drupa. Despite this the region reported a small operating loss attributable to investment in new facilities to cope with rise demand for Chambon web fed packaging presses. It has built additional manufacturing facilities at Orleans to double its footprint while acquiring rotary die tooling and flexo companies in North America.
In China Komori says, large companies have continued to invest to gain the benefits of automation and greater efficiency while mid sized companies are hesitant to invest. Sales to China dropped around 20%.
The domestic market for Komori is showing signs of economic growth with consumers having more spending power and record numbers of tourists visiting the country. Both are drivers of demand for print. Motivations for investment include energy saving as well as greater efficiency and performance.
Total sales for the first nine months of the year stood at ¥85.3 billion (£398.8 million) compared to ¥76.8 billion (£359 million).
This led to an operating profit of ¥6.9 billion (£32.3 million) from ¥3.3 billion (£15.42 million)
Order intake was down at ¥80.4 billion (£375.9 million) from ¥99.0 billion ($462.9 million), leaving the order back log at the end of the year of ¥74.6 billion (£348.9 million) from what was a record ¥80.8 billion (£377.8 million) at the end of 2024.
