Bühler Group has reported strong financial results for 2024, with a significant increase in profitability. The company reached an EBIT of CHF 227 million, translating to a 7.6% EBIT margin. Despite a challenging market environment that led to a decline in orders, Bühler’s turnover remained stable, and it was able to either maintain or grow its market share. The company’s robust financial performance was supported by its Milling Solutions, Leybold Optics, and Customer Service sectors. CEO Stefan Scheiber attributed the success to Bühler’s innovative approach and dedicated workforce, noting that their contribution was key to navigating a demanding year.
In 2024, Bühler’s turnover remained stable at CHF 3.0 billion, a slight decrease of 0.8%, while order intake dropped by 9.9%, reaching CHF 2.8 billion. However, when adjusted for foreign exchange fluctuations, turnover grew by 2.5% to CHF 3.1 billion, and order intake declined by 7.0%. The company’s focus on improving productivity resulted in its fourth consecutive year of increased profitability, with a net profit of CHF 189 million, reflecting a 6.3% margin. Bühler’s equity ratio rose for the sixth consecutive year to 52.8%, and the company’s improved liquidity saw net cash flow increase significantly, supporting its long-term stability.
Bühler’s Milling Solutions segment was a major contributor to its success, with turnover growing by 2.0% to CHF 2,249 million. The company saw record performance in this area, adding 30,000 tonnes of daily processing capacity for customers over the past two years. This expansion helps provide staple food to around 60 million people globally. On the other hand, the Advanced Materials segment faced challenges, with turnover falling by 8.5% to CHF 712 million, due to a slowdown in investment activities following the post-pandemic surge and ongoing uncertainty in the automotive sector.
The Customer Service division also had a strong year, growing by 9.4% to CHF 1,057 million, which now represents 35.4% of the total group turnover. Bühler’s focus on enhancing its customer service offerings helped businesses improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. The division saw growth in long-term service agreements, which now exceed 4,000, and modernization projects that support customers in improving their processes. These initiatives solidified Bühler’s position as a reliable partner in the industry.
Looking ahead to 2025, Bühler is focused on maintaining its financial robustness and continuing its commitment to innovation. The company will leverage its order book of CHF 1.9 billion to sustain stable growth. Bühler plans to enhance its global presence by delivering high-quality products and services to key markets, emphasizing its values of quality, innovation, and customer education. With a continued focus on investing in the development of both technology and people, Bühler is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and drive future growth.
Bühler is committed to driving innovation for a better world, ensuring a balance between economic growth, human well-being, and environmental sustainability in its decision-making. Every day, billions of people rely on Bühler technologies for essential needs like food and mobility. Nearly two billion people consume food produced using Bühler equipment, while one billion travel in vehicles made with Bühler solutions. From eyeglasses and smartphones to newspapers and magazines, countless everyday products depend on Bühler’s advanced process technologies. This global impact places Bühler in a unique position to transform current challenges into sustainable business opportunities.
As a technology leader in the food, feed, and mobility industries, Bühler is committed to reducing energy, waste, and water use by 50% across customer value chains by 2025. The company actively collaborates with suppliers to minimize climate impact and has set a goal to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 (Scopes 1 & 2, based on 2019 levels). Investing up to 5% of its annual turnover in R&D, Bühler enhances the commercial and environmental performance of its products and services. In 2024, its 12,350 employees generated a turnover of CHF 3.0 billion. With a 165-year heritage as a Swiss family-owned company, Bühler operates in 140 countries, maintaining 105 service stations, 31 manufacturing sites, and 26 research and training centers worldwide.
