Investments in new plants secure long-term global growth
The German industrial company Ziehl-Abegg has published its annual figures for 2022. With sales of EUR 873 million, the company has recorded an increase of around 22 percent compared to the previous year (EUR 716 million). The number of employees globally to 5,100 (previous year 4,700) and in Germany to 2,800 (previous year 2,600). Despite the closure of the site in Russia and the general lack of stability in the supply chain which made production planning difficult, Ziehl-Abegg was able to continue on its successful path and plans further investments in new plants in Germany and abroad.
“We are well on track,” says CEO Dr. Marc Wucherer. The growth in sales is attributable on the one hand to the unavoidable need for an increase in selling prices as a result of the sharp rises in purchase prices; and on the other, sales have been driven by the rising demand for efficient and durable electric motors and fans. Investments in new production sites will make the company fit for the future: in autumn 2022, work began on the construction of a new 50-million-euro plant in Lodz (Poland); at the start of 2023, the foundation stone was laid for a new plant in the USA in which around 100 million euros will be invested. “If we produce closer to the customer, we can deliver faster and we do away with the need for transportation over long distances,” says CEO Wucherer, explaining the positive effect which a global production network has on the products’ carbon footprint.
Trends such as digitalization, expansion of wind power, food production as well as building ventilation, heating and air conditioning technology will further fuel demand for Ziehl-Abegg products in the coming years. In addition, the continuing interest in heat pumps will further heat up demand for quiet and efficient fans, with experts consequently predicting double-digit growth rates for the industry worldwide. In order to exploit the growth potential despite limited employee capacities in Germany, Ziehl-Abegg is focusing on automation in all its existing plants and an expansion of the international production capacities. Marc Wucherer: “With our innovative solutions and the continuous expansion of our product portfolio, we are ideally equipped to meet the increasing requirements and further strengthen our competitive position.”
Ziehl-Abegg is aware of the challenge posed by demographics and the shortage of skilled workers and is investing in young talent on a targeted basis in order to sustain its success in the market over the long term. “The quality and quantity of opportunities for young people to start their careers with dual training or a dual course of study will be further expanded in 2023,” emphasizes Wucherer.
