Niederwenigen, 26 April 2005

In the first quarter 2005, Bucher Industries reported sales of CHF 425 million, representing a 12% increase. Incoming orders amounted to CHF 500 million and exceeded the previous year by 6%.

During the first three months of 2005, the positive developments in demand of 2004 continued. With CHF 424.9 million, the group increased sales by 12.3%, or 14.4% adjusted for currency effects. Incoming orders amounted to CHF 500.0 million, up 6.0% over the same period last year, or 8.0% adjusted for currency effects. Since the beginning of the year the order book increased by CHF 72.5 million to CHF 552.8 million. This represents a 29.9% rise compared to the first quarter 2004 and results in good capacity rates for the second quarter 2005. As of 31 March 2005, the group had 6421 employees. The increase of approx. 10% is attributable to the acquisition of Kuhn Metasa as well as to a higher number of temporary employees.

Kuhn Group
While the market stagnated in Europe, the demand for specialized agricultural machines in North America continued to be active. Kuhn Group increased sales by 14.7% in the first quarter 2005 to CHF 226.0 million and reported incoming orders of CHF 213.6 million, an increase of 6.3%. The comprehensive product range and the excellent market position of Kuhn contributed to the successful result. In Brazil, the integration of Kuhn Metasa, which was acquired in February 2005, is well underway.

Bucher Municipal
As expected, the market for municipal vehicles was characterized by significant pressures on customers to hold down costs and by overcapacities of suppliers. In spite of the challenging environment, Bucher Municipal was able to achieve 7.5% growth in sales in the first quarter of 2005 to CHF 62.9 million. Incoming orders amounted to CHF 63.1 million, down 4.4% from the high level of the same period last year. The acquisition of Johnston Sweepers Ltd, Dorking, U.K., which was completed March 31, 2005, is under investigation by the antitrust authorities of the United Kingdom. Bucher Industries expects a positive decision by September 20, 2005 at the latest. The Johnston Sweepers activities will be consolidated as of the second quarter 2005.

Bucher Process
In the first quarter 2005, Bucher Process reported sales of CHF 14.0 million, representing an increase of 22.8%, and incoming orders of CHF 51.7 million, exceeding the same period last year by 13.6%. The positive business development is due especially to the high demand in China for presses and components for the production of fruit juice.

Bucher Hydraulics
The active demand for hydraulic components and customer-specific hydraulic systems continued in the first quarter 2005. Sales of Bucher Hydraulics rose by 10.9% to CHF 68.2 million. Incoming orders of CHF 71.1 million were 9.7% higher than in the same period last year.

Emhart Glass
With CHF 53.9 million, Emhart Glass exceeded sales during the same period in 2004 by 7.8%. Incoming orders increased 6.0% to CHF 97.9 million. In the first quarter 2005 the order book of the division increased by CHF 44.1 million reaching significant CHF 193.8 million.

Outlook
Bucher Industries confirmed the outlook for 2005 and anticipates sales for the full fiscal year 2005 to remain at last year's level, not including the acquisitions of Kuhn Metasa and Johnston, while the operating result and net income are expected to improve. Sales will grow considerably as a result of the acquisitions while the operating result will be positively influenced.

Bucher Industries is a technology group operating worldwide with leading market positions in specialty fields of machine and vehicle construction. The company's areas of activity include specialized agricultural machinery, municipal vehicles, wine and fruit juice production plants, hydraulic components, and production equipment for the container glass industry. Bucher Industries' shares are traded at the Swiss Stock Exchangey
(SWX: BUC)

Contact
Philip Mosimann, CEO
Roger Baillod, CFO
Phone +41 44 857 22 07