The Ivoclar group, a Liechtenstein-based dental and medical technology company, has released their sales figures for FY2021, achieving a turnover of more than 840 million Swiss francs (US$897 million).
The overall sales volume in FY2021 increased by 31.2% compared to 2020, and 7.8% compared to 2019, surpassing its previous turnover record which was set in 2019.
While in 2020 many dental offices and laboratories had to close temporarily or work only on an emergency basis, the world economy had to deal with supply bottlenecks due to a shortage of raw materials and cargo capacities in 2021. Nevertheless, the group was only minimally affected by these challenges as a result of a foresighted procurement policy, careful logistics planning and highly motivated employees.
Dental workflow products
With a focus on the development of products that enhance efficiency, esthetics and quality, the Ivoclar Group grew by 39.2% in dental business, compared with the previous year.
Direct restoratives were primarily responsible for this excellent result due to a high demand for filling materials. Accompanying products that are used in the restorative treatment process also saw an increase in sales: For example, the Adhese Universal bonding agent, which has been available in a new user-friendly pen-like design since 2021, and OptraGate, which offers a solution for heightening the comfort of patients and the efficiency of the operator.
An increase in turnover was also registered for prosthetic products. Ivoclar supplies millable ceramic blanks including the furnaces needed for the corresponding workflow. These efficient machines further reduce the process time in the fabrication of restorations. A new furnace, the Programat CS6, was introduced in 2021.
The laboratory business grew by 23.1%, primarily due to digital solutions. Ivoclar manufactures the zirconium oxide discs, such as IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Aesthetic launched in 2021. Specialised equipment for the digital workflow of this target group, for example, the new PrograScan PS3 and PS5 scanners, optimise the manufacturing process in the laboratory for enhanced performance and optimal results.
Global sales results
In 2021, sales of the Ivoclar Group increased in all its business regions: an increase of 61.3% in Latin America, 36% in North America, 31% in Europe, Near East and Africa (EMEA) and 17.2% in Asia-Pacific.
In all four regions, the group grew faster than the market, enabling it to acquire new market shares. The growing markets within these regions also contributed to this development – in particular India, with an 89.6% increase, Brazil with 72.2%, Mexico with 46.8% and China with 16%.
Over the past two years, the Ivoclar Group has been unable to participate in trade shows or conduct face-to-face training courses at its 71 training centres around the world. However, the group is still able to provide optimum service to their customers in all areas, according to Diego Gabathuler, CEO of the group. For example, the company offered extensive remote learning opportunities through its new Ivoclar Academy online knowledge platform. Furthermore, an international event series “The Live Experience Tour” created a safe environment in which people could meet, interact, inspire, learn and network.
Investing in the success factor of people
CEO Gabathuler believes that the success of FY2021 is largely attributed to the expertise and commitment of the company’s employees throughout the world, because they were able to satisfy the high demand of the customers and realise the company’s forward-looking projects.
As a result of the current uncertain geopolitical situation, the Ivoclar Group is cautiously optimistic about the future, despite the positive sales figures in the first three months of the new fiscal year. Further new products will be launched in 2022, which will highlight the innovative spirit of the company. Corresponding product, training and service offerings for dentists, dental technicians and dental hygienists are already being developed.
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