BV Glas: Positive trend for German glass industry in 2018

The German glass industry experienced a positive trend in 2018, states BV Glas.

The total sales for the German glass industry increased by 2.2% to around €9.88 billion (€9.66 billion in 2017).

Domestic sales increased slightly by 1.2% and foreign sales grew by 3.5%, which were not as strong as the previous year.

Frank Heinricht, BV Glas President, said: “The positive trend in the glass industry continues, as shown by both sales and the rising number of employees.

"We are still looking for qualified junior staff.”

According to the preliminary figures of the Federal Statistical Office, the number of employees in the glass industry rose by 39% to around 55,800.

Mr Heinricht added: “The glass industry offers a variety of industries and applications for a material that is in demand, despite – or because of – its long tradition.

"Whether as a reliable, environmentally friendly packaging or high-tech application with digital devices: Glass has a future.”

The flat glass manufacturers were able to maintain their results after a strong first half of the year and closed the full year with growth of 5%. 

The sector achieved a turnover of €1.06 billion (€1 billion in 2017). Flat glass refiners also reported a positive balance sheet with a total result of €3.89 billion (€3.83 billion in 2017), up to 1.3%.

Growth was also reported by the speciality glass industry. The overall result amounts to €1.54 billion, 5.5% higher than in the same period of the previous year (€1.46 billion in 2017). 

By contrast, manufacturers of glass fibres suffered a slight decline, with total sales falling by 0.4% to a total of €968 million (€972 million in 2017).

The hollow glass industry experienced a very successful first half of 2018, which was primarily attributable to the development in the business glass segment. The sector closed the year with an increase of 1.8% to €2.44 billion (€2.39 billion in 2017).