Swiss engineering company Bühler said its die-casting business experienced significant growth in 2023 on the back of rising demand for EV battery cases and car body components.
It said in its 2023 annual report that the battery cell business had peaked in its first wave in China, resulting in a temporary slowdown in investments. In sharp contrast, it said the EU and US are set for expansive capacity build-up from both local companies as well as established Asian battery manufacturers.
The rise of the dry battery electrode is good news for Bühler, it said. Its continuous mixing solution, based on twin-screw extruder technology, is a promising technology for efficient processing of dry coating, it added.
Bühler collaborates with leading research institutes, raw material producers, equipment suppliers and cell manufacturers. It said it is committed to pushing technological boundaries.
Electrode slurry saw growing demand in Asia driven by the photovoltaic and capacitors industries. The surge in demand for silicon is also a boost for which its MicroMedia Invicta bead mill is a strong contender in silicon production.
The company said turnover rose 1% to CHF3.0 billion ($3.4 billion). Order intake dipped 3.8% to CHF3.2 billion ($3.6 billion) and the order book remained high at CHF2.0 billion ($2.3 billion). Net profit increased 16.3% to CHF179 million ($203 million).
It expects continued economic volatility in 2024, but said it is well positioned to benefit from new opportunities.
Photo: Stefan Scheiber, CEO at Bühler Group, said die-casting experienced significant growth in 2023
