Orell Füssli Security Printing Division

Orell Füssli Security Printing was unable to commence production of the 9th issue of Swiss banknotes on schedule due to delays caused by technology suppliers. Orell Füssli processed other orders continuously in three-shift operation at the planned high levels of capacity utilisation. The division’s sales revenues were 17% lower at CHF 85.3 million due to the absence of a large proportion of the scheduled order volume for the Swiss National Bank (SNB). Operating earnings of CHF 16.7 million were 30.4% lower. Orell Füssli Security Printing achieved its stated objective of delivering maximum quality with high productivity.

Orell Füssli secured orders in 2009 which will ensure capacity utilisation until well into 2010. Competition has continued to intensify in the banknote segment. The division has increased its productivity further in order to counteract the pressure on margins.

Polymer-based notes played a dominant role in the product mix in 2009. However, this was less pronounced than in previous years. Orell Füssli is expecting a growing proportion of paper-based notes in 2010. It is foreseeable that in addition to polymer and paper there will also be a demand for novel substrates – combinations of paper and polymer – in subsequent years.

The national market traditionally dominates the identity document segment. In 2009 Orell Füssli received an order from abroad for an e-passport project for the first time.

Events:

A technology developed by Orell Füssli Security Printing was ready to be brought to market in the year under review and was launched as a new product under the “RELIEF” brand name. “RELIEF” enables intaglio printing elements to be given an additional dimension. This opens up new possibilities with regard to security and aesthetics in the design and production of printed security products. “RELIEF” is attracting considerable interest. Orell Füssli Security Printing believes that products will soon be manufactured using this new technology, and will also offer it for utilisation by other security printers.