Freudenberg Group, the global technology leader, has reported impressive growth in its 2024 financial performance, marking record revenues and operating profits. The company achieved sales of €11,947.5 million, a slight 0.4 percent increase over the previous year’s €11,902.8 million.
Despite a negative impact from exchange rate fluctuations, which reduced sales by €76.9 million, operating profit grew by approximately 4.7 percent, reaching €1,132.4 million, compared to €1,081.6 million in 2023. The increase in profit was driven by the company’s focus on innovation and its strategic expansion into high-growth sectors like medical technology and the energy industry.
Freudenberg’s profit margin increased to 9.5 percent, up from 9.1 percent the previous year. Cash flow from operations was €1,288.9 million, although this was €114.8 million lower than in 2023. The company’s equity ratio also showed slight improvement, rising to 56.8 percent, compared to 56.1 percent last year, reflecting its stable financial position.
In India, Freudenberg’s performance remained robust, with sales reaching INR 4,015 crore, an increase from INR 3,803 crore in the prior year. The group operates across 11 companies in India and employs around 3,678 people.
Freudenberg has made significant investments in the country, including the launch of a new production facility for its Vibracoustic Business Group and joint venture Freudenberg-NOK India in Morinda, which was inaugurated in 2024. These investments reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to the Indian market and its focus on strengthening its manufacturing and technological capabilities in the region.
Commenting on the results, Dr Mohsen Sohi, CEO of the Freudenberg Group, highlighted that 2024 was a year of steady growth despite challenges in the global market, particularly in the automotive and machine-building industries. “Even with weaker demand in certain sectors, especially the auto industry, we managed to increase our earnings and sales,” Sohi remarked. He also emphasized the company’s long-term focus, noting that Freudenberg was able to invest heavily in future capabilities, including research and development, infrastructure, and advanced technologies. Dr. Sohi, who is retiring at the end of June 2025, will pass the leadership to Claus Möhlenkamp.
Freudenberg’s emphasis on R&D was also a significant factor in its continued success, with investments in research and development growing by 10.8 percent in 2024, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation. Over the years, Freudenberg’s R&D spending has tripled, underscoring the company’s strategic priority of advancing technology and meeting future market demands. The consistent growth in sales and operating profit—at an average annual rate of 6.6 and 9.7 percent, respectively—illustrates the effectiveness of this strategy.
G. Sivasailam, Director & CEO of Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center India and Managing Director of Freudenberg Performance Materials, India, highlighted the company’s dedication to driving growth and delivering customer-focused solutions. “Our sustained growth in India is a result of our commitment to innovation, strategic investments, and a customer-centric approach,” said Sivasailam. He also pointed to the opening of the new Morinda facility as a key milestone, which is set to enhance Freudenberg’s production capabilities in the region.
Looking ahead, Freudenberg remains committed to leveraging its global expertise to meet the needs of the Indian market and contribute to the country’s industrial development. The company is poised to continue its path of sustainable growth in India, underscoring its long-term strategic vision for the region. Freudenberg has maintained a strong business presence in India for over 90 years.
With 11 production facilities located across the country, the company operates in diverse industries and employs approximately 3,678 people at more than 20 locations. As a global technology leader, Freudenberg is dedicated to delivering sustainable, forward-thinking innovations that benefit both its customers and society.
Collaborating with partners, customers, and research institutions, Freudenberg develops cutting-edge technologies, products, and services for over 40 markets and thousands of applications. These range from seals and vibration control components to technical textiles, filters, cleaning products, specialty chemicals, medical devices, and technologies for batteries and fuel cells.
Innovation, customer focus, diversity, and teamwork are central to the company’s philosophy. With a history spanning more than 175 years, Freudenberg upholds its core values of excellence, reliability, and responsible, proactive action. In 2024, the Freudenberg Group employed more than 52,100 people across 60 countries and reported sales approaching €12 billion, reflecting its global reach and enduring impact in various sectors.
