Ziehl-Abegg has achieved unprecedented success by concluding the fiscal year 2023 with remarkable results. Witnessing a substantial revenue surge of 9.5 percent to reach 955 million euros, the company has set a new benchmark. Furthermore, with its largest-ever investment and a freshly formulated strategy coupled with extensive structural reforms, Ziehl-Abegg is paving the way for sustainable expansion on a global scale.
Ziehl-Abegg, based in Künzelsau, Germany, stands out as a prominent global player in ventilation, control, and drive technology. The company revolutionized fan drives in the 1950s with the introduction of external rotor motors, which remain at the forefront of the industry. Additionally, Ziehl-Abegg specializes in electric motors that power a variety of applications, including elevators, medical equipment like computer tomography devices, and deep-sea underwater vehicles.
With a workforce of 2,800 at its production facilities in southern Germany and a global team of 5,000 across 15 production plants, 30 companies, and 117 sales locations, Ziehl-Abegg boasts an extensive reach. Its diverse range of approximately 30,000 products is distributed in over 100 countries, contributing to a turnover of 873 million euros. Founded by Emil Ziehl in 1910 in Berlin, the company relocated its headquarters to southern Germany after World War II.
Ziehl-Abegg SE remains a privately owned, family-run business, not listed on the stock exchange. In 2023, Ziehl-Abegg achieved a milestone year, recording a record revenue of 955 million euros, marking a 9.5 percent increase from the previous year and reaffirming its strong market position. Dr Marc Wucherer, the CEO, hailed it as the company’s best year ever.
A key highlight was the inauguration of a new plant in the USA, a 100-million-euro investment aimed at bolstering growth in the American markets. Concurrently, Ziehl-Abegg embarked on constructing a new plant in Vietnam and inaugurated a new production facility in Poland. Furthermore, production is slated to commence in India in 2024.
In Germany, the company invested over 30 million euros in enhancing its machinery and automation technology. As part of its growth strategy, Ziehl-Abegg is restructuring its internal setup to enable more agile global operations. This reorganization includes dividing the company into four geographical regions: Central Europe, EMEA, APAC, and the Americas.
This realignment is designed to align the company closer to its markets and customers, reflecting the regional and global nature of customer demands and the rapid expansion of international markets. Dr Wucherer emphasized that these changes will bring Ziehl-Abegg closer to its customers. Simultaneously, Ziehl-Abegg has revamped its global production network to better cater to customer requirements.
With its ZA2030 strategy, Ziehl-Abegg is committed to achieving ambitious objectives, including carbon neutrality, sustainable product development, and full transparency regarding its environmental impact. This vision highlights the company’s dedication to sustainability and social responsibility. Dr Wucherer stated, “We aim to have an even more positive impact on people and the environment.”
Ziehl-Abegg not only stands for forward-thinking and sustainable corporate governance but also for economic success and close customer relationships. As a result, the company is progressing with digitalization efforts and enhancing customer service. CEO Wucherer summarized, “We have set a course for further growth, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and global customer engagement.”
