Facts & Figures

Financials Year 2005 

Results were positive for the second year in succession. Especially in the first six months of 2005 the Vink Group was able to benefit from rising material prices. In the second half of the year under review the margin pressure, mainly as a result of economic developments in some important home markets, rose. Despite adverse economic conditions Vink successfully expanded its market share. In addition to traditional trade and distribution activities, Vink successfully continued to focus on the processing of plastic products in 2005. These activities add greater value and the focusing on sales of these customer-specific products paid off.  During the year under review a programme was launched to optimize stock management, which was also successful.

The group has been divided into regions to promote synergy effects and qualified management. Achievements varied by region. The West (the Netherlands and Germany) and Nordic (Scandinavia and Finland) regions improved results during the year under review. The South (France and Belgium) region did not meet expectations. To improve results here, measures have been taken which mainly consist of a more aggressive market approach. In 2005 too investments were made in one uniform software system. The greater part of the group now uses the Axapta business system. This will be further upgraded in 2006.

Top management saw changes during the year. Mr. S. Bødtker, group managing director of Vink since 1999 resigned on 1 September 2005. He was succeeded by Mr. J.H. Pieterse who will lead Vink as of 1 February 2006. Net turnover rose from EUR 279.3 million to EUR 301.1 million. Autonomous turnover growth was 7.8%.