The technological group, Sulzer, saw orders increase by seven per cent in the year 2000 to SFr5.78 billion ($3.53 billion). Adjusted for acquisitions and divestitures, orders were up 11 per cent.

The separately listed Sulzer Medica unit saw its orders rise 14 per cent to SFr1.35 billion.

Sulzer said it expected operating income to rise significantly in the year 2000 but added that it would incur substantial restructuring costs.

Sulzer announced a major reorganisation last year that involved the sales of five technical divisions which account for around two thirds of its turnover.

But on Wednesday it said that it was now reconsidering the sale of its pumps business.

It's already been forced to abandon plans to merge Sulzer and Sulzer Medica following shareholder resistance.

Sulzer wants to focus on medical technology and surface and materials technologies which are the most profitable parts of its business.

The group will publish full financial results on March 9.

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