Uvex Winter Holdings GmBH & Co. reported that its Sports and Leisure Segment grew in fiscal 2012/13 for the first time in three years.
“Our strategy is working,” said Michael Winter, managing director for the family-owned business, which is based in Fürth, Germany. “Thanks to our production sites in Germany and our highly qualified staff, we were able to respond flexibly to market needs and respond to international competition with strong innovations in our product areas. Neither the euro crisis nor the often bad weather in the first half slowed demand for protective Uvex professional, sports and leisure products.”
The German company said the segment generated sales of €101.3 million in the most recent fiscal year, up 3 percent from 2011/12, when sales decline 16 percent. Sales of motorcycle products were essentially flat at €80 million, while sales of cycle and ski products increased. Sales at the Sports and Leisure Segment had declined 4 percent in fiscal 2010/12.
The German company derived 28 percent of its revenue in fiscal 2012/13 from its Sports and Leisure Segment, which sells cycling and ski helmets, sports eyewear and ski googles under the Uvex and Alpina brands. The remaining 72 percent, or €248.0 million, came from its Safety Segment, which sells a variety of safety gear for industrial markets. Sales for the most recent fiscal year were essentially flat with their level in fiscal 2007/08.
Uvex is forecasting sales growth of 4-5 percent for the current fiscal year, when it will remain focused on international expansion.
“The global market offers us great opportunities,” said Winter. “Therefore, we will continue to extend our international growth strategy to regions outside of Europe.”
