The Oerlikon Group is one of the most innovative and research-intensive industrial groups in the world. Six of the company's business units are active in machine and plant engineering: solar technology, thin-film coating, vacuum systems, textile machines, drive systems and precision components. In 2007, more than 19,000 employees at 170 sites in 35 countries generated sales of CHF 5.6 billion at an EBIT of CHF 469 million. Sales of considerably more than CHF 6 billion are projected for 2008.
The leading technology solutions the Oerlikon Group provides enable our customers to achieve decisive advantages with end users - both industrial and commercial customers as well as private end consumers. Customers like Sony, Bosch, CMC, Kraft Foods, Ferrari, Reliance and Caterpillar use production technologies and components from Oerlikon to attain their own success with high-tech products: solar modules, cars, computers, machine tools, jeans, shirts, oil platforms, rockets, tyres - and much more. All Formula 1 engines receive a highly-resilient coating from Oerlikon to enhance their performance. 60 percent of all twines used in industrially manufactured rugs are produced on textile machines from Oerlikon. Every Ariane rocket sent into space is equipped with a payload fairing from Oerlikon. The most modern solar modules currently available today are made in Oerlikon thin-film coating plants.
This type of cutting-edge technology is no accident. Oerlikon invests around CHF 250 million every year in R&D and has more than 1,500 highly-qualified developers and scientists around the world working on the innovations of tomorrow. We are continuously reinventing ourselves and use our technological expertise to develop new applications and access new markets: this is the Oerlikon DNA and the secret to our success.