This year, tool and equipment manufacturer Hilti Group intends to maintain its growth momentum following last year’s growth of CHF 5.1-billion throughout all its business regions.

The company explains that year-on-year the company’s sales are up by 10.8%, and 9.6% in local currencies.

“We owe this milestone to our global team that is working with consistency and dedication to implement the objectives of our corporate strategy. Once again, we have launched more than 60 new products, extended our portfolio significantly and strengthened our global sales team. With this solid foundation firmly in place, we managed to make better use of last year’s favourable market conditions,” says Hilti Group CEO Christoph Loos.

He highlights that the performance of the business regions reflects the broad-based growth of the company. With all markets in good condition, Europe was up 9.7% in local currencies. Growing at 8.5%, North America has taken a significant step forward.

In Latin America, with a 9.7% rise, the upward trend strengthened further, although the economy as a whole continued to stabilise at a slow place. In Asia Pacific, the Hilti Group maintains its growth trajectory, with sales up 5.3%. He highlights that the dynamic performance of Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe is particularly noteworthy at 17.4%.

In December, the company launched the UD 4 corded drill driver developed to Hilti standards. The UD 4 corded drill driver has been entirely created for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) region to meet the requirements of the emerging markets.

He highlights that, following extensive market research and product testing, Hilti’s Product Leadership Strategy (PLS) team across META, along with the guidance and support from Hilti’s headquarters team, designed the UD 4 tool. The tool has specifically been designed and created with Hilti standards and specifications to appeal to the emerging market’s needs as well as market conditions.

The UD 4 is designed to perform any required job on construction sites and in the workshop; it can drill a high number of holes per day for the same application. The lightweight and compactness of the tool will support the user in making repeated tasks easier and less tiring.

“The tool is used for wood and steel applications ranging from alloyed steel to stainless steel. Along with the tool’s launch, Hilti developed drill bits to meet the different requirements based on customer’s preference. If a customer is looking for a powerful and versatile insert, the HSS-R metal drilling insert is the ultimate solution,” he says.

Further, the drill bit is suitable for alloyed and non-alloyed steel up to a tensile strength of 900 N/mm2, non-ferrous metals, cast iron and hard plastics. The drill bit reduces friction and heat build-up, which, in turn, prolongs its lifetime. He points out that it is robust and durable, with a split point which reduces wandering on the drilling surface.

“In addition to this top performing drill bit, the range also includes different drill bits for different applications that provide customers great performance at a very competitive price. The UD 4 tool will continue its launch across many different markets in the region,” he says.

The self-repair concept tool will provide the user with the opportunity to fix the tool on the spot. “Our customers will now be able to enjoy the tool and experience its strength in speed, efficiency and comfort within the working environment.”