With an unexpected decrease in customer call-offs, technotrans SE felt the need for an “ad hoc” announcement to release preliminary figures for 2024 financial year.

But within a week, news of a customer coming back with an order worth tens of millions gave it something to talk about. Cool huh!

Known to newspaper printers as the provider of peripheral systems, the company’s “ad hoc” announcement came ahead of news of a repeat for battery cooling of electric buses is perhaps the icing on the cake.

The company says consolidated revenue of 238.1 million Euros (A$392 million) and a group EBIT margin of 5.2 per cent were “slightly below the forecast ranges”, citing an unexpected, economy-related decrease in customer call-offs, especially last December. It says fourth quarter performance improved compared to previous 2024 quarters – with a group EBIT margin of 7.6 per cent – and would have reached 6.0 per cent for whole of 2024, but for temporary expenses for severance payments and reorganisation.

The preliminary, unaudited figures showed consolidated revenue of 62.5 million Euros (A$102 million) with a group EBIT margin of 5.2 per cent in the fourth quarter, significantly improving on the rest of the year. This brings preliminary consolidated revenue for 2024 to 238.1 million Euros, with a preliminary group EBIT margin of 5.2 per cent and a preliminary ROCE of 11.8 per cent.

Temporary expenses for severance payments and reorganisation totalling 2.1 million Euros were included in the group EBIT margin. Annual and consolidated financial statements will be published on April 2.

technotrans’ big news was the follow-up order “in the double-digit million-Euro range” from a renowned e-bus manufacturer. The company will supply battery thermal management systems for multiple e-bus series “in an even greater scope than before”. Technotrans says by placing the order early, the manufacturer is fully covering its requirements for 2025.

Chief executive Michael Finger says that by committing to technotrans at an early stage, the customer underlined the strategic relevance of its solutions and technological expertise.

As part of the order, technotrans will continue to supply three production sites for electrified buses in France and the Czech Republic. The cooling systems ensure reliable battery temperature control, enabling them to operate safely.