Ivoclar Vivadent had sales revenues of CHF 775 million in the 2016 business year, corresponding to a 2.1 per cent increase over the previous year. Expressed in local currencies, the growth rate was 0.6 per cent, according to a company statement.

Positive growth rates were recorded for Latin America (+16 per cent). In Europe and Asia, the company grew by 4 per cent. By contrast, the North American market contracted by 4 per cent.

"Our investments in the developing markets have proven to be extremely profitable. This is because Brazil, Mexico, Russia and China in particular have numbered among the fastest growing markets," said CEO Robert Ganley, commenting on the business results. He attributed the decrease in North America to a challenging laboratory market.

Ivoclar Vivadent said that the strongest growth drivers were the products and systems for dental practices – in particular, the company’s filling materials, luting materials, adhesives and clinical equipment.

The company will continue to focus on digital technologies in 2017 and will introduce its new CAD/CAM range, Ivoclar Digital. Based on its core competences in digital materials and digital processes, the new range will be presented for the first time at the International Dental Show (IDS) from 21 to 25 March in Cologne, Germany.

Ivoclar Vivadent is also planning substantial investments this year of around CHF 105 million. Around half that amount will go towards construction measures at its headquarters in Schaan, where, among other things, it will open its own childcare facility later this year.