1978

Production and sales increase despite economic downturn

Smelting capacity in the steel mill was increased, and extensive investments made in acoustic insulation. Investment was focused on measures to further improve the level of quality, productivity and energy efficiency. Despite the recession prevailing since 1975 in the German steel industry, Edelstahlwerke Buderus succeeded in increasing crude steel production by 5.4 percent year on year to 248,000 tonnes, exceeding the previous record year of 1974 by 9,900 tonnes. Sales increased by 8,500 tonnes above the 1974 figure to 219,000 tonnes. But turnover remained DM 6.2 million below the 1974 figure, at DM 344.4 million. The share capital of Edelstahlwerke Buderus AG was increased from DM 20 million to DM 32.5 million. The capital increase gave Friedrich Flick Industrieverwaltung KGaA a direct stake in the company of DM 12.5 million.