2007 was in many respects, yet
another record year in the history of Wärtsilä’s current activities.
New orders grew by 22 percent and net sales by 18 percent.
Profitability measured as operating margin reached 10.1 percent. And
the
best is still to come. The EUR six billion order book promises strong
sales growth and further improved profitability also in 2008, a year
that will certainly be a busy one for all 16,000 Wärtsilä employees.
Good market demand has naturally
contributed to this success. The number of new ship orders continued to
grow for the sixth consecutive year. Several years of neglected or
insufficient investment in the energy sector resulted in a steep
increase in the amount of power plants ordered. We expect contracting
activity to stay solid at least for the first part of the year 2008
with strong power plant activity offsetting a possible weakening of
ship power demand. For our Services business, a high ship and power
plant utilisation rate offers ample opportunity for development and
growth.
Emissions high on R&D agenda
During recent years, Wärtsilä has grown to become a leading
global provider of a broad range of ship, ship machinery, and power
plant services. In combination with our advanced, environmentally sound
liquid fuel and gas engines and power plants, efficient propulsion
packages, and automation systems, this platform makes us an attractive
business partner. We consider sustainability of our products and
services to be not only a necessity or opportunity, but rather our duty
as a leading provider of equipment to the world’s seagoing fleet and
many important power plant markets. As a consequence, improved engine
efficiency and exhaust gas cleaning methods, as well as fuel cell
development, are high on our research agenda.
Investments in assembly efficiency
supports growth
Being able to take advantage of strong demand, and at the same
time adding value to our customers’ businesses, requires careful
homework. Capacity has been increased during the year. The main
projects were the renewal of engine assembly facilities in Trieste,
Italy and Vaasa, Finland, and the upgrading of propeller and thrusters
production in Drunen, Holland and in China. The investment programs
have largely concentrated on assembly efficiencies. Total capital
expenditure amounted to EUR 166 million compared to EUR 107 million in
2006. Our subcontractors have initiated capacity increase programmes
worth at least the same amount. The steep ramp up of capacity
throughout the supply chain has, from time to time, caused shortages
resulting in delays or an inability to respond to customers demands. We
expect the supply chain to be highly utilized throughout 2008.
Three issues top our strategic agenda:
• The broadening of our products and services offering, both in terms
of number of products and geographical spread
• The constant need to upgrade our services and products for improved
sustainability
• Availability of key personnel in all parts of the world to support
growth
Wärtsilä is dedicated to maintaining growth based on customer
confidence. Success in these areas will determine our future position
as a key player in this demanding market place.
I would like to thank our customers for their
continued trust and support, our employees for their commitment, and
our shareholders for their confidence in our company.