Sales growth is taking place around the globe. "In Asia as well as in North and South America, our expectations have been significantly exceeded," emphasizes CEO Peter Fenkl. However, even in countries where sales were halved a few years ago due to political upheaval, double-digit percentage growth has returned. The company boss points to Ukraine and Russia in particular as examples. Ziehl-Abegg's new company in Dubai is proving to be a good starting point for business in the Middle East.

Brexit, the controversial US president, elections in Russia, the formation of a government in Germany, rifts in the EU or conflicts in Africa and Asia - "It's like a colorful canopy of Damocles' swords stretching over political and economic developments," Fenkl explains. Nevertheless, Ziehl-Abegg is entering the current year with confidence. This confidence is supported by the positive order intake in the first few weeks of 2018. In addition, new products are to be presented that will set new records in energy efficiency.

The growth in sales goes hand in hand with an increase in the workforce. A year ago, Ziehl-Abegg employed 3,550 people worldwide, now the figure is 3,900. In Hohenlohe, the number has risen from 2,000 to 2,200. "This rapid growth not only challenges us in production, but also in the integration of new employees," explains Fenkl, adding: "Suppliers must also be able to keep pace with the rapid growth in sales." Ziehl-Abegg has also improved and expanded its production facilities. In the past year, the company's investments reached a peak value of 43 million euros.

While both ventilation technology (fans) and drive technology (elevators, medical technology) have each recorded double-digit percentage growth, the Automotive division is lagging behind expectations. "City bus manufacturers in Western Europe are very reluctant to switch to electric drives," says Fenkl. However, he believes that political pressure and the desire of city dwellers for clean and quiet buses will increase significantly. "And then we will have already developed the solution and tested it in the field." as