“2019 was a solid year for Endress+Hauser,” emphasized Matthias Altendorf. “Growth was broad-based and balanced.” The measurement and automation technology specialist for process and laboratory applications increased net sales by 8.0 percent to 2.652 billion euros, despite a weakening economy. During the annual media conference on financial statements in Basel, the CEO explained that instead of large-scale orders, this growth was driven by smaller and medium-sized projects.
Focus on innovation and sustainability
According to the CEO, this success is also tied to the company’s undiminished innovative spirit. In 2019 Endress+Hauser filed 318 patent applications and invested 7.6 percent of sales in research and development. More than 1,100 people are working on new products, solutions and services. By the end of 2019 Endress+Hauser had 14,328 employees worldwide. 400 new jobs have been created within one year.
The company also made progress in the area of sustainability. In the annual EcoVadis audit, Endress+Hauser achieved 72 points, 4 more than in 2018, placing it in the top 2 percent of the comparison group. By switching to green electricity in production, the Group was able to reduce CO2 emissions by more than one-third. New buildings meet the highest environmental standards. Endress+Hauser is currently constructing a new energy self-sufficient customer experience and training center in Canada.
In 2019, Asia provided strong growth impulses. Europe performed well and South America recorded excellent growth. North America fell behind expectations, however, while the business in Africa and the Middle East declined. China overtook Germany based on sales volume and just trails the US, which continues to be the largest sales market for Endress+Hauser.
Group aims to safeguard employment
“Our everyday heroes are those working in production, logistics and service, or under difficult conditions from home or in the office,” said Matthias Altendorf. Through hard work, the company has been successful in ensuring the availability of materials, keeping the logistics chains intact and supporting customers in all respects. “The Group’s plants are operating, and Endress+Hauser is still able to deliver.” The CEO therefore believes that the company is well prepared for difficult times.
“We have always run a sound business and as a company we are very well positioned,” said Matthias Altendorf. “We will do everything we can to safeguard jobs and bring Endress+Hauser through this crisis. This will benefit customers, employees and shareholders.” The shareholder family supports this course and accepts a decline in profits, said Supervisory Board President Dr Klaus Endress. “We would like to have as many people as possible on board when the wind shifts and things pick up again.”
