LNE posted net income of €2,119k in 2018. This result comes as LNE continues its structural reforms, notably through the spin-off of its medical device certification business, and invests heavily to be the benchmark laboratory for tomorrow's technologies. These results are the fruit of a margin-driven policy favoring high value-added services and innovative technologies in particular. The 2018 financial year resulted in a profitable merchant result of €2,493k. Operating income reached €4.04 million, up 78 % on 2016. These results reflect the effectiveness of the restructuring actions carried out in recent years.
Developments by sector in 2018
Metrology The Group's core competencies include: growth in calibrations for nanomaterials and thermophysical characterization of materials.
Certification Digital security certification booms. Significant growth in medical certification; spin-off of this activity to promote growth.
Tests The Group's main focus is on the following areas: increased testing in aeronautics, aerospace and artificial intelligence.
Following record results in 2017, the past year has been an opportunity for LNE to modernize its social framework. 2018 thus saw the signing of two company agreements, on teleworking and on flexibility and monitoring of working hours.
These good results have also enabled us to increase investment in three main areas:
- human resources, with the recruitment of 94 employees in 2018, 28 more than in 2017;
- research: the substantial profits generated by commercial activities help to finance the LNE's public service activities, particularly research;
- investment in infrastructure: laboratory equipment, LNE's digital transformation and real estate.
A new subsidiary
The creation of subsidiary GMED SAS, France's only notified body for the certification of medical devices, was a major event for LNE in 2018. Previously a pole within LNE's certification department, GMED has become a 100% % owned subsidiary of LNE in the form of a simplified joint stock company (SAS). As a result, GMED will gain in flexibility, autonomy, responsiveness and agility in a fast-changing field, and will be able to finance its growth in the service of its customers.
" These excellent results, against a backdrop of major structural change, show that our strategy is the right one and that our development is profitable. Our focus on margins, the refocusing of our services on innovative technologies, and our rigorous management are all producing results. So 2018 confirms that LNE is a profitable public enterprise, in line with our ambition to be the benchmark laboratory for tomorrow's technologies. "explains Thomas Grenon, General Manager of LNE.
Learn more: www.lne.fr