Customers can buy our products almost anywhere in the world to drive their own automation," "We are already present in more than 150 countries, either through our own subsidiaries or trading partners," ifm Group Chief Financial Officer Christoph von Rosenberg said as he presented the group's 2023 balance sheet figures.
Customers can buy our products almost anywhere in the world to drive their own automation," "We are already present in more than 150 countries, either through our own subsidiaries or trading partners," ifm Group Chief Financial Officer Christoph von Rosenberg said as he presented the group's 2023 balance sheet figures.
In the last financial year, a total of 160,000 customers purchased ifm products, representing a further 4% increase in customer numbers. Total sales were more than €1.4 billion, up 3%, and the preliminary consolidated financial statements show another record sale.
"Despite the significant negative impact of exchange rates, which halved growth, the increase in sales and the expansion of our customer base show that we are able to provide the right solutions for our global customers," said Christoph von Rosenberg.
Regional growth was concentrated in the United States and Southwest Europe. Operating profit (EBIT) totaled 5.8%(previous year 7.6%).
The total number of employees in 2023 also reached a new high. The Group employs more than 9,000 people worldwide, more than 1,500 of whom work in research and development, not only at its five sites in the Lake Constance region, but also, increasingly, at technology companies abroad. This greatly enhances the innovation strength of the ifm Group, as evidenced by more than 1,210 active patents and more than 100 new patent applications.
The ifm Group also focuses on the development of future talents and currently has more than 140 students in Essen, Siegen and Lake Constance in Germany.
Forecast a small increase in 2024
Christoph von Rosenberg noted that the business outlook for the current fiscal year is challenging: "Various global conflicts and crises are leading to a general slowdown in the growth of the mechanical engineering industry worldwide. In addition, anti-inflation measures by central banks continue to dampen market demand. We are inevitably affected, but we still expect a small increase in 2024."
