Optima Growing with Technical Advancements

The filling and packaging equipment built by Optima has continued its growth trend. The company had a record year in 2011 with a consolidated turnover, reaching EUR 220 million, compared to EUR 210 million in 2010. On December 31, 2011, 1500 people were employed worldwide by Optima – approximately 200 more than in the previous year.

In pharma, consumer, nonwovens, and life sciences industries, Optima is recognized as one of the leading providers of automated filling and packaging equipment. Depending on the product, competencies extend all the way to the production process. The continued export quotient of more than 80% underscores the strong international standing of the company. The largest portion of the turnover was made in the U.S. (30%), followed by Germany (20%). Twenty percent is accredited to the remainder of Europe, and another 30% in the rest of the world (ROW). 

Hans Bühler, managing partner, is expecting growth in all areas in the coming years. “Not in the least due to synergic effects across industry branches, Optima looks to a promising future in the short term.” As an example of the synergies, Bühler cites a recent example from the Optima Consumer division, which combines competencies in filling of paste-like products, foil processing, and cartoning equipment. The customer manufactures filled “pillow bags”, attaches a pump, and places in cartons with perforated flaps. 

Based on the steady upward trend in the past, and the positive future outlook, Optima will be investing around EUR 50 million in its headquarters by 2013. New buildings and building renovations as well as refurbishments to the IT infrastructure aim to bring the site to state of the art. New technologies and the manufacturing center will also profit from the investment. 

For more information, visit www.optima-usa.com.