RAUG International Narrowing Focus on Space Market
Finalizes Sale of its Aerostructures Business
In 2023, RUAG International transformed itself into a space market-focused international supplier by selling its aerostructures business. The financial year was characterized by an inflationary market environment and strained supply chains. At the same time, investments were made in the expansion of production and the digital future of the space business. Adjusted for divestment and foreign currency effects, sales increased by CHF 62 million (≈$69 million) compared to the previous year. Reported earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to CHF 28 million (≈$31 million).
"With the further completion of the privatization, we continue our course towards a promising future and look forward to reaching the next milestones in space research and development.” André Wall, RAUG
With the privatization of its aerostructures business, the company will concentrate fully on the rapidly growing space market.
Due to substantial company divestments in 2023 and 2022 (including RUAG Ammotec), the key figures can only be compared to a limited extent. However, they reflect the continuous progress of the divestment strategy adopted jointly with the owner, the Swiss Confederation. The number of employees fell accordingly from 2,963 to 1,989 worldwide. Net sales, 96% of which came from civil activities, fell to CHF 620 million (≈$690 million) against its previous year at CHF 945 million (≈$1 billion) and EBIT to CHF 28 million or ≈$31 million (CHF 178 million or ≈$198 million). Adjusted for divestment and foreign currency effects, sales increased by CHF 62 million (≈$69 million) compared to the previous year.
The space segment (Beyond Gravity), with around 1,600 employees, increased sales by 8 percent. "Beyond Gravity can proudly point to full order books. This underlines the company's strong position as a key player in the global space market," said RAUG CEO André Wall.
"With the further completion of the privatization, we continue our course towards a promising future and look forward to reaching the next milestones in space research and development. The focus is now on exploiting the opportunities in the expanding space market," Wall said. "I see us as pioneers in innovative technologies and services. Our aim is to push the boundaries of what is possible and realize pioneering projects in space together with our customers. I am confident that this strategic realignment and our investments in modern production facilities and development processes will help to drive growth in the space market even faster while ensuring the success and sustainability of the company."