The Construction division, which focuses on the construction industry, was subject to less severe restrictions related to Covid-19 during the first half of the year, reflected in an only limited reduction in demand. In organic terms sales matched the level from the previous year. The Riveting division, however, which focuses primarily on applications in industrial and automotive-related areas, experienced a significant decline in sales. 

Sales in the Fastening Systems segment for the period under review amounted to CHF 489.7 million, which corresponds to a decline of -1.7% compared to 2019. Positive consolidation effects added 6% to the reported sales figure, while negative currency effects reduced reported sales by -5.3%.