In order to become stronger, more cost-competitive and more market-focused than the competition, it was decided to close the Swedish facility and to transfer the manufacturing activities to the central weaving plant in Germany. In that context, the activities of the R&D centre in the UK have also been transferred to the German site. The closure of the Swedish facility will lead to the loss of approximately 80 jobs. This consolidation process is expected to be completed by early 2011.
The turnover of Dimension-Polyant increased by 24% to € 21.6 million (first half of 2009: € 17.4 million). EBITDA1 excluding restructuring expenses rose to € 3.0 million (first half of 2009: € 2.0 million). The facility in Sri Lanka, which was opened last year, performed well. Demand for high-quality sailcloth showed an increase, while the OEM market, the cruising and the wind surfing segment also picked up. In the first half year of 2010 the business unit launched successful innovations. Dimension-Polyant developed, for example, a ground-breaking sailcloth which consists of 80% recycled fabric.
The business unit also launched a lighter and lower stretch type of high quality surfing sailcloth.
The turnover at Bekaert Textiles increased by 25% to € 75.9 million (first half of 2009: € 60.7 million). EBITDA1 excluding restructuring expenses improved from € 6.0 million in the first six months of 2009 to € 13.8 million in the first half of 2010. The business unit has clearly benefited from the radical cost-saving measures that have been taken in recent years.
Upward trends, mainly in North and South America, and successful new products helped drive the recovery. The business unit increased production capacity in the United States and launched, among other products, 'Second Life', a new collection of mattress tickings made of yarns of recycled polyester. 'Becool' was also brought onto the market, a new moisture-absorbent, fast-drying and temperature-regulating mattress ticking.
The turnover of Vlisco Group rose by 6% from € 79.9 million in the first six months of 2009 to € 84.4 million in the first half of 2010, partly thanks to higher volumes at Vlisco and Uniwax. EBITDA1 excluding restructuring expenses totalled € 12.9 million (first half of 2009: € 12.6 million). The business unit successfully opened a flagship store for its top brand Vlisco in the Congolese capital Kinshasa and brought onto the market both a complete line of handbags and two new collections of fabrics.
Vlisco also made a contribution to the world exhibition in Shanghai, which is still running until 31 October. Additional promotional activities were also carried out for Uniwax, including a special campaign to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Cote d'Ivoire. GTP introduced a new three-colour fabric called Nustyle, thus taking a first step in its repositioning to four sub-brands based on consumer use. As part of its strategy of becoming a pan-Africa fashion retailer, Woodin opened its tenth store in Ghana at the Golden Tulip hotel in Accra.
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