Buhler Technology Group reported profitable growth for its business in fiscal 2010.

The company reported a 21% increase in order intake to CHF 2,160 million (US$2.38 billion), 11% increase in sales revenue to CHF 1,907 million (US$2.1 billion), and increased operating profits (EBIT) at a higher-than-proportional rate to 10.6% of total sales. The Group attributed this success to the identification of market trends such as improved food safety and higher energy efficiency.

All three Group divisions contributed to the higher order intake, the company says. In sales revenue, both the Advanced Materials division and the Grain Processing division achieved significant growth, while the turnover of the Food Processing division slipped slightly due to the delayed market recovery. Buhler reported Asia as its strongest region in terms of volume, demonstrating the increasing significance of this market.

Buhler invested over CHF 80 million (US$88.15 million) in research and development also in 2010. The Group says the discussion about safe and healthy foods stimulated demand for Buhler technologies.

Buhler reported its order backlog of CHF 1,238 million (US$1.36 billion) as of the end of 2010 was almost 30% above the level of a year ago. Therefore, Buhler says it expects to further increase its turnover in fiscal 2011.