The financial and economic crisis that first made itself felt in the middle of 2008 and the historically deep economic slump had a dramatic effect on the 2009 financial year for the Netstal Group. In the financial year ending 30 September 2009, both incoming orders and turnover fell by about a fifth compared with the previous year. The acute economic downturn was experienced globally and, in most user industries, led to a severe crisis in demand. Our core business in technical moulded parts was affected most by the reluctance to invest. However, our customers also stopped, or at least postponed, investments in the packaging products, closures and medical application areas that are more resistant to crises. Fortunately, the PET business has continued to grow despite the crisis and the service product business is developing steadily; both of these have helped to stabilise the company.
 
In order to significantly reduce costs and ensure liquidity, by late autumn 2008, Netstal had already introduced an extensive structural programme. The plan implemented during the 2009 financial year contained measures to adjust structures, processes and, above all, capacities to the requirements expected in the short- and medium-term; the aim was to respond more effectively to the demands from the various markets when an economic recovery set in.

Even in this difficult economic environment, Netstal concentrated on its promising strategies and defined target markets. Thanks to entrepreneurial consistency, global presence and operations in independent business sectors, last year, Netstal also successfully achieved a high level of corporate stability, consequently affording its customers security for the future.