Miller Magazine Issue: 147 March 2022

46 MILLER / march 2022 NEWS Innovations in new products, services, and applications resulted in even stronger market positions of the global technology company Bühler. The company grew order intake by 16%, to more than CHF 3 billion. Thanks to its strong global production, supply, and ser- vice network, Bühler was able to secure timely deliveries to customers even under difficult conditions. At the same time, Bühler further improved its financial stability with im- provements in the net liquidity and the equity ratio. “Our engaged employees in our strong global network allowed us to prove our reliability to our customers and partners. And we clearly strengthened our innovation power,” says Bühler CEO Stefan Scheiber. The key markets of Bühler in the food, feed, and mo- bility sectors underwent fundamental transitions driven by changed consumer requirements and enabled by new technologies. As a result, the demand for sustainable solu- tions has clearly increased. As part of the long-term in- novation strategy of Bühler, spendings into R&D over the last 3 years including the “coronavirus years” increased to more than CHF 400 million (2021: CHF 141 million, 5.2% of turnover). Bühler has positioned itself as a key enabler and partner for its customers, supported by collaborations with key partners in industry and science. New drivetrains and new designs dominated the automo- tive industry. The new processing technologies of Bühler’s Die Casting business area with high locking force produc- tion cells resulted in accelerated growth in this market; the Grinding & Dispersing business area, which established its market segment Battery Solutions a decade ago, expe- rienced a record order intake in 2021, attributable to the boom in lithium-ion batteries for e-mobility. Similar positive market demand was noticeable in Bühler’s food and feed businesses, for example, processing solutions for plant- based proteins or for dairy alternatives were in high de- mand and contributed to growth in Bühler’s Value Nutrition business. New types of chocolates, pralines, and various confectionary and snack products required new applica- tions which the Bühler Consumer Foods segment (which includes the technologies of the former Haas business acquired in 2018) created. Also, Bühler’s Milling Solutions business grew in the wheat and rye and speciality seg- ments, with processing solutions for high-capacity plants as well as for special applications for local niche markets. Dig- Bühler strengthens market positions in 2021