Straumann reported unaudited 2008 full-year net revenue of 779 million Swiss francs ($697 million U.S.), up from 714 million francs ($639 million) in 2007.
Despite the economic crisis and the market slowdown, the Straumann Group said it was able to achieve growth across all businesses in the fourth quarter. Europe (+7%) and North America (+1%) continued to generate growth in the fourth quarter, while Asia Pacific declined (-4%). Overall, net revenue growth declined from September through November but stabilized in December.
Even so, Straumann announced that it is implementing measures to adapt its organization to market conditions and reduce its cost base. The company created 300 new jobs worldwide, increasing its global workforce to 2,300, in 2008; however, "unprecedented effects of the economic slowdown, which became evident in September and continued into the fourth quarter, made it clear that this would need to be addressed," Straumann stated.
As a first action, Straumann reduced working hours in implant production in December. The company also expects to reduce its workforce by about 3% worldwide this year.
