EQS-Ad hoc: Airopack Technology Group AG

Airopack Technology Group AG successfully begins production in its new plant and announces 2016 results

Baar, 24 March 2017 - Airopack Technology Group AG ("ATG") is pleased to confirm the successful ramp-up of Airopack production from its new 18.000m2 manufacturing site in Waalwijk, built in only 168 days, which started operations in December 2016.

Improvement of our operational footprint

In 2016 ATG completed the acquisition of the 50% stake in Airolux from its former joint-venture partner. Following this acquisition, ATG improved and expanded its operational footprint by consolidating all Airopack manufacturing operations into one site. As a result all Airopack production was relocated from Bilten (CH) to Waalwijk (NL), where our new state-of-the-art production facility was completed in December 2016, after only 168 days, in line with budget, scope and manufacturing specifications.

Since December 2016, shipment of Airopack products has started from our new Waalwijk factory, which produces Airopack under the strictest quality control and at market-leading manufacturing cost at full capacity. The modular layout of the new plant provides for straightforward upscaling of capacity, with minimal business disruption and the prospect for further cost efficiencies to come.

The new plant in Waalwijk, has an initial annual capacity of 80 million Airopack units. ATG is in the advanced stages of exploring doubling its manufacturing capacity of the plant to 160 million pieces per annum, provisionally scheduled to start in the second half of 2017.

The shut-down of the manufacturing facility in Switzerland in 2016 was carefully planned and managed in close alignment with Airopack's main customers in order to minimize disruption to their supply chains. We were delighted to see that our customers continued to support us during this transition. As in the previous year the majority of our volumes were shipped to leading global personal care companies. Several orders for Airopack were also filled by our Belgian company Airosolutions, which allows us to offer an in-house filling service. Airosolutions also offers its own products and expanded its product offering in 2016 through the development of innovative packaging solutions for personal care customers.

To finance the acquisition and the subsequent investment in Airopack's manufacturing capabilities in the Netherlands, ATG entered into a strategic partnership with funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management LLC (NYSE:APO), which committed equity and loans for EUR 122 million in an operation approved by the General Assembly of Shareholders on 23 June 2016.

2016 Results

The 2016 results are summarized on the next pages. The full Annual Report will be made available on 5 April 2017 by following this link to our website: http://www.airopackgroup.com/en/investor-relations/reports

Outlook

With production activities online at our new site in Waalwijk (NL) we are well positioned to accelerate Airopack sales volumes. The market today is showing a healthy demand for our products and as production at the new plant continues to ramp up, we expect to leave the transition phase behind us and to fully focus on growth and enhanced production efficiencies. Due to continued growth throughout the year, 2017 will not fully reflect our growth and efficiency initiatives, although a significant improvement over 2016 is expected. The Board of Directors and Group Management therefore believe that the business will achieve its medium term goals of a run-rate volume of over 700 million pieces annually compared to a total aerosol market of 15.48 billion annual units as of the end of 2015† and are confident that we will continue to enjoy the trust and loyalty of our customers and shareholders.

† Source: Grand View Research, Inc., U.S.A., publication date: May 2016

Result development

From the acquisition in May 2016 of the remaining 50% shareholding in the former Airolux joint venture, the results of Airolux AG and its subsidiaries are fully consolidated in the ATG results. Furthermore a full year of sales from Airosolutions (acquired during 2015), is included for 2016.

The changes to the consolidation perimeter had a positive effect on sales, which grew to EUR 11.3 million, a 41% increase over 2015. Airosolutions sales contributed EUR 7.9 million, while during the second half of 2016, the relocation of production capacity resulted in lower sales of Airopacks, with only limited quantities being delivered from existing inventory.

The cost of the wind-down of the Bilten plant and the simultaneous start-up of the new plant in Waalwijk were fully included in the 2016 results and are reflected as higher material and personnel costs, as well as higher operating expenses. Other operating expenses include furthermore EUR11.3 million exceptional and non-recurring costs, related to fund raising and the termination of the joint-venture.

Due to the acquisition of the 50% joint venture shareholding goodwill was created, which is being amortized over 5 years.

As a result of the changes in the consolidation perimeter, the changes in the operational footprint and the exceptional and non-recurring cost, the net result of the Group amounted to a loss of EUR 42.3 million.

Balance sheet

The balance sheet reflects important changes to the Group's financing and asset base. Higher current assets and liabilities are mainly the result of the full consolidation of Airolux. Non-current assets have grown due to the inclusion of acquisition goodwill, while non-current liabilities show the long term debt contracted with the Apollo Funds. The shareholders' equity slightly increased as the net loss of the Group was absorbed by the capital increase of July 2016.

Cash flow statement

The cash flow statement shows the effect of the operating loss, the acquisition of 50% of the former Airolux joint venture and the significant investment in the new Waalwijk plant. All was funded by the cash inflow from the Apollo Funds, which contributed both debt and shareholder equity financing. Cash increased to EUR 8.3 million at 31 December 2016.

For more information:
Investors:

Airopack Technology Group AG
Quint Kelders, CEO / Liebwin van Lil, CFO

Zugerstrasse 76b
CH-6340 Baar
TF: +31 416 300 800
E-Mail: quint.kelders@airopackgroup.com
E-Mail: liebwin.vanlil@airopackgroup.com
www.airopackgroup.com