The upper Austrian technology group Miba AG, listed in the standard market auction segment of Wiener Börse AG; continued its positive performance from the previous year in the first quarter of 2014-2015 (February 1 to April 30). Consolidated revenue amounted to EUR 163.5 million, which equates to an increase of EUR 10 million, or 6.5 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2013-2014. EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) amounted to EUR 19.3 million and was therefore EUR 1.5 million above the prior-year comparative.

The economic upturn of the past few months has also been in evidence in Miba's most important sales markets, which picked up momentum. The automotive industry and the heavy truck market in particular had performed very positively in Europe, the USA and China, with growth in these sectors compensating for weaknesses in, for example, the shipbuilding or mining markets.

In order to be prepared for further growth, Miba is focusing on extensive investment. In the first three months of the fiscal year, Miba therefore invested EUR 12.3 million in the expansion of capacity and in measures to improve productivity (previous year: EUR 8.0 million). Capital expenditure volumes for the whole year are budgeted to be at least at the same level as in the previous year (EUR 68.1 million).

As of the April 30, 2014, reporting date, Miba employed 4,752 members of staff globally (including agency staff), and thus 300 employees more than a year ago. Increases in staff numbers occurred mainly in China, Slovakia and Austria.

For the medium to long term, the Company is expecting sustainable growth which will primarily take place in China and in the USA. That's why Miba is intensifying its activities in these regions. In addition to its focus on expansion, Miba is continuing to work on measures to improve efficiency and quality as well as on intensive product and technology development in all areas.

distributed by