Mushroom
Crisis-tested through 2020
2019 was not an easy year for Pilz: the automation specialist had to cope with a drop in sales and a cyber attack. But damage is rarely without benefit.
The automation specialist Pilz is going through difficult times: In addition to the economic downturn last year and the associated 6.5% decline in sales to 322.5 million euros, the Ostfildern-based company also had to fend off a cyber attack. Nevertheless, the company is optimistic about the future. Susanne Kunschert, Managing Partner of Pilz: "The cyber attack hit us unexpectedly and the reconstruction is not yet complete. Nevertheless, the attack also had its good side: with the experience we have gained and new digital tools, we can also cope well with the corona crisis. We are crisis-tested."
Together against the corona pandemic
Like many other companies, Pilz has adapted its production to the coronavirus pandemic: The company manufactures reusable everyday masks to protect against the further spread of the virus. The face masks have been produced for the company's own use since April, but the company is now also able to supply customers.
The company is countering the decline in demand with measures such as investment freezes, cost savings and short-time working at its headquarters in Ostfildern, Germany, and is benefiting from the fact that it supplies companies in systemically important industries. The automation specialist is using the digitalization boost in its range of services in the area of customer training, for example.
Despite optimism, the forecast for 2020 is cautious: "The general economic situation will certainly not improve significantly in 2020. A lot depends on how the economy develops during the coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, I am convinced that we will get through these difficult times together," says Kunschert.
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