Led by its pharma and home appliances segments, SCHOTT's US businesses grew in 2020, and the company expects to continue its focus on the US as a strategic growth priority.
SCHOTT increased its global sales by 2.2% in 2020 to reach $2.5 billion, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company also improved its operating profit (EBIT), recording $320 million.
About 20% of global sales were attributable to the US region, making the US the top-selling country for SCHOTT.
US sales increased despite the challenges of 2020, led by the company’s pharmaceutical packaging unit and its home appliance unit. SCHOTT’s Lebanon, PA facility produced record-breaking numbers of pharmaceutical containers, operating 24 hours per day, seven days a week, in response to heightened demand from the global coronavirus pandemic.
Globally, three out of four COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers rely on vials from SCHOTT’s Pharma business line.
"The COVID-19 pandemic brought into focus the essential role SCHOTT plays in the world. Our products and technologies are vital for the supply chains for pharmaceuticals, MedTech, and other critical industries," said Jim Gareau, president of SCHOTT North America.
"The US remains the global powerhouse of innovation," said Dr. Heinz Kaiser, a member of the SCHOTT board of management responsible for the US. "We expect this dynamic economy to continue to create demand for new products and new applications that rely on glass and glass-ceramics."
