SYDNEY, Australia—Ansell Ltd., a supplier of rubber protection products, has reported a drop in 2016 sales and revenue due to weak demand for its medical products in emerging markets.
In its full-year results for the 12 months that ended June 30, Ansell posted a 4 percent drop in profit, down to $236.7 million, on the sales of $1.57 million, down 4 percent compared to 2015.
The company said the weak global economy as well as currency fluctuations contributed to the results.
The Australian company grew brands in industrial, single use and sexual wellness, said CEO Magnus Nicolin, with strong performance for its sexual wellness products in emerging markets.
“Results … generally improved through the year for single use and industrial, with continued strong performance in China and Mexico,” Nicolin said, adding that industrial products grew in Russia in the second half of the financial year.
As for medical products, Ansell said its new synthetic surgical glove lines in Melaka, Malaysia, were completed on schedule at year-end and that it had addressed its first-half start-up issues there.
The company divested its U.S.-only Onguard boots business in May after deciding to focus resources on the recently acquired Microgard clothing business.
Nicolin said the Microgard business had significant potential to expand globally and in new markets.