Increasing production capacity is a key step in the continued positive operational development of Ultrasonic AG. Capacity utilisation in the Shoe soles and Sandals and slippers segments is currently around 85% so the very restricted capacity available is hampering the company's ability to capitalise on growth opportunities. So far, the company has been obliged to outsource manufacturing of Urban Footwear products on capacity grounds. This segment was established in 2008. In 2011 it generated sales of around EUR 36.4 million (incl. “Accessories”), over 30% of the Group’s total sales. In H1 2012, this segment reported further strong sales growth of 34.2% to EUR 24.0 million (H1 2011: EUR 17.9 million), and it is becoming the Group’s main sales driver.
Ultrasonic AG plans to acquire a new factory complex through its Chinese subsidiary Fujian Suoli Shoes Co., Ltd., to ramp up production capacity #
Qingyong Wu, founder and CEO of the Ultrasonic Group, comments: “Raising production capacity is a strategy that we are pursuing with determination, and which we communicated prior to our IPO. Through the acquisition of the new production facilities and further scope for expansion we believe we will be well-positioned for further growth. In future, we will not simply be able to meet rising demand from international brands and our customers in the Chinese sports footwear industry. We will also be able to ensure timely supply of ULTRASONIC products for the high-quality branded footwear market, which is growing by about 30-40% a year, without resorting to external producers.”
Ultrasonic AG