Bischof + Klein (B+K, Lengerich / Germany; www.bk-international.com) expects to raise group revenues by about 5% this year, which would propel the earnings of the packaging and films specialist beyond the EUR 500m mark. The announcement follows a solid performance in H1 2014, said company CEO Volker Pfennig.

The figures are a reflection of B+K’s 2013 investments. Among others, the German company raised its extrusion and print capacities at its German sites, which were also made more energy-efficient. Elsewhere in Europe, B+K France commissioned a new 8-colour flexoprint machine, while B+K Polska built a new extrusion hall, setting the stage for another capacity expansion. B+K Middle East, a Saudi Arabia-based company in which B+K holds a 30% stake, also landed a large multi-year contract as a result of which its output now exceeds 30,000 t/y.

To continue on its growth track, B+K plans to invest EUR 30m in the coming years. The funds will be used to expand its plant in Konzell / Germany, which produces hygiene packaging, while additional extrusion capacities at B+K Polska are supposed to raise the site’s output by 50%.

Bischof + Klein operates six production sites in Germany, France, the UK, Poland and Saudi Arabia, alongside a global network of sales offices. Its product portfolio comprises flexible industrial packaging and consumer packaging as well as engineering film. B+K’s 2,350 employees posted sales of about EUR 500m in 2013.