Front-end automation drives Tecan's sales:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Swiss company Tecan, a manufacturer of laboratory automation systems, saw turnover rise 15% to SwFr164 million ($110 million) in 1998. The Hombrechtikon-based company attributes the growth mainly to demand for its front-end automation systems. New orders remained flat at SwFr159 million, largely due to the economic situation in Asia. The company says operating profits rose during the year, despite its nearly doubling R&D expenditure. For the coming year, Tecan expects double-digit sales growth.