At Bulten, we are very proud to be one of few players in the global fastener industry to offer total responsibility for fastener solutions, thanks to our Full Service Provider (FSP) concept. We have strong global presence with cost-effective, value-enhancing production in Sweden, Germany and Poland, as well as on the emerging markets of Russia and China. A further production plant is under construction in the USA. Along with the fact that we are at the leading edge of technology and innovation, this means we enjoy a strong position as a supplier and partner of fastener solutions to the global automotive industry.
We have good, stable profitability thanks to ongoing streamlining, as well as a flexible, cost-effective production structure. A strong balance sheet brings us flexibility and good preparedness for increases in volume, along with opportunities for growth investments and strategic acquisitions.
Our FSP offering is one of the key reasons why we continue to take market share. Thanks to our portfolio of existing contracts and the increasing volumes in them, combined with several ongoing contract discussions, the outlook for continued profitable growth is good.
Bulten’s market position is characterized by the following strengths and sales arguments:
Bulten was founded in 1873, and has since developed into one of the largest suppliers of fasteners to the international automotive industry. Today we have around 1,300 employees worldwide and are headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Our offering extends from a wide range of standard products, to bespoke fasteners manufactured to the customer’s specific needs. With our Full Service Provider concept, our customers can either leave total responsibility for fasteners to us, which means that we take care of development, sourcing, logistics and service, or choose just certain parts. The share (BULTEN) is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.
President and CEO: Tommy Andersson
Number of employees (FTE): Approx. 1,300
Net sales 2017 Approx. SEK 2,856 million
Success factors
• Quality leader
• Technology leader
• FSP concept
• Geographic proximity
• Employees
• Financial platform
Core values
• Professional
• Innovative
• Dedicated
• Empowered
Production: Sweden (Hallstahammar), Germany (Bergkamen), Poland (Bielsko-Biała), China (Beijing), Russia (Nizhny Novgorod) and USA (Hudson) from 2018.
Sales and/or logistics centers: Sweden (Gothenburg and Hallstahammar), UK (Scunthorpe and Bridgend), Germany (Bergkamen), Poland (Bielsko-Biała and Wilkowice), Romania (Craiova), China (Beijing), Russia (Nizhny Novgorod) and USA (Hudson and Hagerstown).
Some of our customers: AB Volvo, Audi, Autoliv, BAIC, BMW, Bosch, Fiat, Ford, GAZ, Geely, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lear, MACK Trucks, MAN Trucks, Nemak, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Renault, Scania, Seat, Skoda, Trelleborg, TRW, Volkswagen, Volvo Cars, etc.
| FINANCIAL SUMMARY, SEK M | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 2,856 | 2,676 |
| Gross profit | 558 | 531 |
| Earnings before depreciation (EBITDA) | 290 | 271 |
| Operating earnings (EBIT) | 210 | 200 |
| Adjusted operating margin, % | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| Earnings after tax | 159 | 146 |
| Order bookings | 3,015 | 2,717 |
| Net debt/equity ratio, times | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Equity/assets ratio, % | 66.8 | 68.9 |
| Return on capital employed, % | 14.4 | 13.9 |
During 2017, Bulten has advanced its positions with significant new FSP contracts, we have established ourselves on the American market and have once again exceeded our operating margin target. Significant investment decisions were made during the year, and with previously signed contracts to an annual value of EUR 64 million at anticipated full production speed in 2020, Bulten has entered into a new period of growth.
Supporting the global automotive industry with state of the art fastener technology and services.
Bulten shall
Bulten’s core values originate in the company’s history and are the foundation of our corporate culture. They define the way we work and behave, and inspire and support us in our efforts to continue building a successful, sustainable business.
PROFESSIONAL We take full responsibility throughout the value chain, delivering quality at every stage and making sustainability a natural part of all activities in our company. In our customer relations we are responsive, friendly and accountable.
INNOVATIVE We are constantly pushing the boundaries of our business. With proven and new technology and creative ideas, we are striving to improve fastener applications, quality and enhance cost efficiency.
DEDICATED We are passionate about the fastener industry and will always go that extra mile to meet the expectations of our clients. We are proud to carry forward the long heritage of Bulten into a challenging and exciting future.
EMPOWERED At Bulten you’ll meet highly skilled and motivated people, willing and empowered to make decisions and drive progress. We keep our promises and provide the strongest possible solution for your fastening requirements.
Bulten has a leading position in quality, with well-developed and well-integrated quality systems. Quality every step of the way, from development to application, secures the product life cycle.
Bulten adds value by developing its fastener solutions in close collaboration with customers.
Bulten’s FSP concept offers total responsibility for all fasteners for an entire vehicle platform, vehicle model or production plant. By taking responsibility for the whole refinement chain, the customer is assured of profitability and peace of mind.
Bulten’s geographic spread allows global delivery capacity for vehicle manufacturers with production on several continents.
Bulten has a unique corporate culture and skill set, with dedicated employees who can see the link between their day-to-day work and customer benefit.
A strong financial platform provides readiness to act for further growth on existing and new markets.
Bulten works consciously toward its goal of offering market-leading fastener solutions that meet customer requirements on efficiency, quality, price and sustainability. With clearly defined objectives, global presence, responsible conduct and the latest in technology and innovation, we are the company that can make a difference and create the greatest benefit for the customer.
Replacing the conventional purchasing model and assigning total responsibility for fasteners to an experienced, well-established company can save automotive manufacturers money and resources. The scalable Full Service Provider concept offers many advantages, and Bulten has developed and refined its offering over more than 20 years.
The FSP concept is very beneficial also for Bulten. It strengthens our market position by establishing closer, more long-term customer relations, in which we constantly expand our understanding of the individual customer’s needs. This in turn lays the foundation for stable cash flow over time.
For more than 20 years we have been developing and refining our FSP concept by amassing extensive knowledge and expertise along the whole value chain, and we have built up a quality-assured network of business partners.
Bulten has a responsibility and an ambition to manage its operations in a sustainable way for the long term. Bulten aims to be a reliable and robust partner to its customers and suppliers, adding value to its owners and being an attractive employer.
A strong contributing factor to Bulten’s success is its dedicated employees. Good relationships and open dialog are key in preserving and developing the knowledge and culture that has been built up over many years. We want to be a secure employer for our personnel, and to offer the best possible pre-requisites and conditions.
