The provisional figures show that revenue from construction machinery and mining products increased by 6.4% to 鈧�5.631bn. This section of the business includes the earthmoving, mining, mobile cranes, tower cranes and concrete technology divisions.
There was also growth in elsewhere in the business, which produces all kinds of things from 聽maritime cranes to machine tools and domestic appliances. Divisions other than construction machinery and mining saw revenue increased by 2.5% to 鈧�3.617bn.
However, business developed quite differently in the various sales regions. Sales declined in Eastern Europe and on the African continent but increases were posted in the Middle East, the Far East and Australia and in America. In Western Europe - 聽Liebherr's most important sales region - revenue was largely unchanged from the previous year.
The company invested 鈧�746m in production sites and in its sales and service organisation last year. It now employs about 42,000 people worldwide, representing a year-on-year increase of 1,080.
Key projects included the expansion of the diesel and gas engine production facilities at Bulle, Switzerland, and the construction of a new logistics centre in Germany for the worldwide supply of spare parts for earthmoving machines. The logistics centre began operations at the start of 2015. In addition, Liebherr invested in its sales and service companies all around the world.
For the current year, the International Monetary Fund expects the global economy to grow slightly more strongly than it did in 2015. The Liebherr Group expects a moderate growth in revenue. Increases are expected in most product areas and the group hopes that Bauma, the construction trade fair taking place in April, will give a postitive impetus to sales.
The final figures for 2015 will be announced by the Liebherr Group with the publication of its annual report in June.
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