Fritz Studer AG reported a solid performance for the 2025 financial year at its annual press conference in Steffisburg, attended by international media representatives. Despite challenging market conditions and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, the Swiss grinding technology specialist exceeded its expectations and further strengthened its global market position. “2025 was a demanding year, but we emerged stronger than anticipated,” said CEO Sandro Bottazzo.
While overall sales were slightly below the previous year’s level, a strong year-end performance enabled STUDER to surpass internal forecasts. North America delivered good results despite tariff-related challenges, and Asia recorded growth compared to the previous year, with particularly strong demand from China.
Incoming machine orders also exceeded the prior-year level, supported by a high share of new customers, which accounted for 44 percent of total orders. Orders from North America, Asia, and several European markets, including France, Czechia, and Denmark, contributed significantly to this outcome. Although demand in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland fell short of expectations, STUDER maintained or expanded its market share across all global regions.
Customer Care delivered an outstanding performance in 2025, achieving record sales in service and maintenance. More than 70 percent of the active installed base in many markets is now covered by maintenance contracts. The machine overhaul business also closed the year with one of the strongest order backlogs in the company’s 114-year history, reflecting sustained customer confidence in STUDER’s long-term support capabilities.
The aerospace industry once again recorded record results and became STUDER’s largest single customer segment for the first time, accounting for nearly one-third of all incoming orders. Precision engineering, machine tool manufacturing, and the automotive sector remained important pillars. The S33 was the best-selling machine, followed by the S31 and S41, while machines for both external and internal cylindrical grinding performed well. The S141 achieved one of its strongest sales results of the past decade.
Innovation remained a central focus throughout the year. The global premiere of the compact S23 universal cylindrical grinding machine was met with very positive market feedback, as was the new generation of favoritCNC machines equipped with modern FANUC control and automation options. Further technology developments included enhancements to WireDress® for contact-free dressing of metal-bonded grinding wheels and a new axis system for the S31 and S33 that enables automatic adjustment to varying workpiece lengths. Digitalization advanced with the introduction of C.O.R.E. Release 5.0, allowing direct access to a manufacturer-independent customer portal and live machine status visualization from the operating panel.
In parallel, STUDER continued to modernize its operations. A fully automated small-parts warehouse with 32 autonomous robots and 16,000 containers significantly increased logistics efficiency and supports future growth. Looking ahead, STUDER expects demand to continue recovering in 2026, supported by strong momentum in the second half of 2025. The company will continue investing in innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development, with vocational training remaining a key element of its long-term success.
