Barco sees healthcare boom amidst corona-infected business

In the first quarter, Barco recorded 235.7 million euros in sales, a decrease of 3 percent compared to the same period of 2019. The Kortrijk-based imaging specialist received 253.7 million euros in orders, a 5 percent drop year-over-year. As of end-March, its order book stood at 341.8 million euros, flat year-over-year and up 6 percent compared to end-2019. While its healthcare business boomed, its other activities suffered from the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to Barco, the pandemic had measurable impact on its activities at the start of this year. As a result of lockdowns in China, the company’s sales there were halted during February and gradually resumed in March. Also in China, operations and supply chains were disrupted during February but recovered to near full capacity by the end of Q1.

“The cost productivity and operational efficiency measures we implemented over the past few years, have created a more resilient business model, poised to withstand severe economic headwind,” comments Barco CEO Jan De Witte. “Based on our experience in China since January and with a persistent focus on both short and long-term business continuity, we managed to contain our cost spending levels while keeping our manufacturing facilities operational.”