Hilti still spends despite losses

POWER tools maker Hilti saw pre-tax profits at its Great Britain division widen to £379,000 (2009: £43,000 loss) as its sales dropped by 17% to £66m (£79.3m) in 2009 as the ongoing recession in the construction sector continued to bite.

The company, which operates its UK base from Trafford Wharf Road on Trafford Park, is headquartered in Liechenstein. It makes heavy duty drilling and fixing products for the construction industry and employs around 550 people in the UK – 200 of whom are sales reps.

Despite the widening losses, the firm recently spent £7m on a global shared service centre at its Trafford base as part of its decision to create a hub for Northern Europe at its UK headquarters.

UK managing director Gareth Lewis, who has been with the firm since 1999, was also appointed as head of Hilti’s Northern Europe operations in July.

Speaking at the time of his appointment, Lewis said: “The UK is the second-biggest economy in Europe and coupled with the business and cultural similarities with Northern European countries, it makes eminent sense to have the significant presence and workforce in this country,” he said.

“Despite the recession, Hilti is in a very strong position in terms of brand, product innovation and project expertise,” he said.