It's a mixed bag for Langley Holdings. In its annual results for the 2024 financial year, the British industrial group reports stable overall sales at 1.203 billion euros (versus 1.206 in 2013) and almost similar pre-tax profits at 124.4 million euros (124.8 previously), but the printing division presents more mixed results. Manroland Sheetfed, in particular, had a difficult year marked by a drop in orders, especially in China, a key market for new presses.
Nevertheless, the cash position of the 5,200-employee group rose by over 100 million euros to 400 million euros at year-end, while the order book increased by 53 million euros to 930 million euros. Some divisions, such as Power with Bergen Engines and Piller, recorded strong performances, contrasting with the continuing difficulties in the printing sector.
Manroland Sheetfed, at half-mast
German sheet-fed press manufacturer Manroland Sheetfed has endured another difficult year in 2024. The main factor behind this underperformance was the decline in orders, particularly from the Chinese market, historically a key driver accounting for almost 40% of new press sales. However, the trend was temporarily reversed in January 2025, with an upturn in orders "unusually high before the Chinese New Year".
Manroland Sheetfed represents around 20% of the Group's sales," said Bernard Langley, member of the Langley Holdings Board of Directors and Chairman of the Manroland Sheetfed Supervisory Board, last December.
At the same time, the restructuring initiated in 2023 has helped streamline costs at the German head office, and the new management team installed during the year is having a positive effect.
Langley Holdings seeks acquisitions in the printing sector
"The sector remains sluggish overall, with investment in new presses at a historically low level s" continues the group. "Consolidation in this capital goods sector seems inevitable, and the Group is actively seeking acquisition opportunities to complement its existing activities in the sector."
In the meantime, we continue to hire apprentices, and young people who complete their training are offered permanent positions. "The production of a modern offset press is a matter of high competence, and our commitment is long-term." assures Langley Holdings.
DruckChemie and BluePrint: a more favorable dynamic
In contrast to Manroland Sheetfed, chemical manufacturers DruckChemie (Germany) and BluePrint (Belgium) posted solid performances in 2024.
DruckChemie, which has operations in France, Poland, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain and Brazil, celebrated its 10th anniversary in November under the management of Langley Holdings.
Since acquiring BluePrint in 2020, the chemical group has optimized its operations: Druck Chemie focuses on direct sales to printers, while BluePrint supplies distributors.
This organization has proved to be effective, consolidating their position as a "Europe's leading producer of printing chemicals" . However, despite the strength of this Division's results, the Printing Division as a whole made a negative contribution to the Group's overall performance.
Bernard Langley, at the end of the year, assured us that Langley remains committed to the printing industry and to its investments in the sector.
A performance "slightly improved "for 2025
With a "a satisfactory year for the Group as a whole" anthony Langley, President of Langley Holdings, is expecting "slightly improved performance for this year.
