Letter from the President
Growth. A short, simple word that summarises with precision the progress of the Mecalux Group in the past years. This growth is based on our expansion in new markets and the investment in automated warehouse storage.
The Group continues confidently to stride ahead. The profitability of Mecalux improves by taking advantage of economies of scale, enabling the company to grow and expand, and by increasing the use of production facilities. This environment of continual development lies in the increase in the presence of our company in international markets. One of the Group’s signs of identity in these times of globalisation is its ambitious international presence. We should also highlight the extremely dynamic performance of the Polish market, where the company is building a new production centre for automated storage equipment for warehouses in Gliwice. In practice, the installation is to expand from 35,000 m2 to 55,000 m2 as a result of the new and innovative production plant.
Growth in North America is showing the same positive signs as in the Old Continent, and its importance for the Mecalux Group has once again been ratified. This growth can be explained by the increase in the production capacity of the company’s plant in Chicago, with surface area rising from 25,000 m2 to 35,000 m2. Further strengthening the Group’s commitment to this market, we announced in January the purchase of a call option on the US company UFC Interlake Holding. This operation demonstrates a very clear goal within the strategy of the Group: to consolidate our position at a world level as a global supplier of automated storage systems.
All of this ambitious international presence would have a less solid base were it not supported by strong growth in Spain. The seamless integration of Esmena within the Group is the present; while the future lies in its role as a driving force for Southern Europe. Because of this, its Gijón premises are being expanded by 15.000 m2; which are to be added to the existing surface area of 32,000 m2 within a programme of investments –supported in part by a grant from the Asturian Government– which are to be carried out over the next three years.
The process of innovation and improvement can never become stagnant in a company which wants to be competitive. More technology, better customer service and more customised solutions: three virtues which are interwoven into the solutions offered by the company. In our desire to continue growing, we shall be ever watchful over the new operations which furnish us with synergies, which support our business and which allow us to continue to provide our shareholders with value. We are supported in this task by more than 3,000 employees who share our hopes for the future and determination to achieve this. To all of you, employees, suppliers, clients and shareholders, many thanks.
José Luis Carrillo
President