Agrate brianza: Leading Taiwanese machinery maker Hiwin Technologies Corp. announced the inauguration of its new Italian headquarters in Agrate Brianza, located approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Milan. This strategic move aims to strengthen its presence in Europe.
According to Focus Taiwan, Hiwin Chairman Chuo Wen-hen stated that the new facility will act as a central hub for its Italian subsidiary, established in 2013. The subsidiary employs around 160 people and is involved in the production of machine tools, packaging devices, automation equipment, and semiconductor-related systems.
The new 17,000-square-meter site includes logistics and office spaces, multifunctional areas for education and training, and features product displays along with a customer reception area. Hiwin emphasized that the headquarters' design integrates solar power, smart lighting, air purification systems, and organic coatings, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.
At an investor conference held on May 8, Hiwin reported a net profit of NT$579 million (US$18.55 million) for the first quarter of this year, marking its highest quarterly profit in six quarters and a 20 percent increase from the previous year. The first-quarter earnings per share rose to NT$1.64, compared to NT$1.36 a year ago.
Hiwin's consolidated sales for the first quarter amounted to NT$6.379 billion, representing a 9 percent increase from the previous year. The company's gross margin, which indicates the difference between revenue and the cost of goods sold, was reported at 31.94 percent, the highest since the fourth quarter of 2023.
Linear guideways constituted 60 percent of Hiwin's first-quarter total sales, while ballscrews and robotics accounted for 20 percent and 12 percent, respectively. Analysts observed a sharp rise in Hiwin's share prices in recent sessions, attributed to investor optimism surrounding a potential AI-driven shift into robotics.
Before the latest announcement, Hiwin shares had surged approximately 104 percent since the start of the year, showcasing strong market confidence in the company's future prospects.