Germany-based SMS Group has announced that in 2013 its order intake will be lower than in 2012, adding that it expects its net result to decrease compared to the previous year.
SMS Group stated that low capacity utilization and high raw material prices are making sales difficult for the company's customers, resulting in reluctance to invest again this year. Just like last year, order intake has fallen behind forecasts. SMS Group said that underutilization of capacity might be experienced in some areas in 2014.
Overall, the company is working on cutting manufacturing costs even further, with production-optimized design plus greater efficiency in engineering, manufacturing and logistics.