Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/472117
we are refining our international coverage and approach. We are also putting a good deal of effort into getting our industry focused on push- ing our federally elected officials for a long-term highway bill with increased funding. With specific regard to our international approach, we proudly opened our new Astec do Brasil facility in November. While the tough economy in Brazil is well documented, we are confident that our decision to build a manufacturing facility there will pay off over the long run. Originally our plan was to only build aggregate and mining equip- ment in the facility. In an effort to help the facility become an earlier success we will also build equipment from our infrastructure and energy groups in Brazil as opportunities allow. We are continuing to diligently search for acquisi- tions. As a reminder from last year's letter, we will acquire only if there is a strategic fit with our business and a cultural fit with our core values in the potential acquisition. Finally, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Gail Mize, one of our original five founders, passed away on January 6, 2015. Gail was instru- mental in our growth in the early years of Astec Industries and a personal mentor of mine. He was also a mentor of many Astec employees and a great friend and consultant to many of our custo- mers. We miss Gail and our thoughts and prayers remain with his family. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and thank you for your support as we push forward to grow and continually improve our company. Sincerely, Benjamin G. Brock President and Chief Executive Officer Astec Industries, Inc. 0 400 600 800 200 $ 1,000 $ 583.8 $ 663.7 $ 817.8 $ 891.3 $ 698.1 $ 737.1 $ 908.6 $ 936.3 $ 933.0 $ 975.6 7.81 % 8.37 % 9.54 % 8.91 % 4.39 % 6.86 % 6.43 % 0 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 % 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2014 2013 OPERATING PROFIT (IN %) NET SALES (IN MILLIONS) 663.7 $ 817.8 $ 891.3 $ 698.1 $ 737.1 $ 908.6 $ 936.3 $ 933.0 $ 975.6 7.81 % 8.37 % 9.54 % 8.91 % 4.39 % 6.86 % 6.43 % 5.46 % 5.97 % 5.30 % 0 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 % 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2014 2013 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2014 2013 OPERATING PROFIT (IN %) NET SALES MILLIONS) 2014 ANNUAL REPORT n 3