Adjusted for exchange rate effects, turnover even grew at a double-digit rate to 816 million euros (plus ten percent). The fischer divisions fischer fixing systems, fischer automotive systems, fischertechnik, fischer Consulting and LNT Automation all achieved good growth in turnover.

Further focus on digitalization

At fischer, 2017 was also largely determined by the continued focus on digitalization and the areas of Industry 4.0 and e-commerce that fall under this umbrella. Last year, the company took over LNT Automation, after initially acquiring a 90% stake in the expert for the development, production and delivery of electronic systems the year before.

Last year, fischer also acquired shares in the 3D printing start-up trinckle 3D. With its core product paramate, the company enables applications for 3D printing
for 3D printing, in particular the web-based design of 3D models without the need for CAD skills. In addition to trinckle 3D, fischer invested in other start-ups in 2017. Meanwhile, the process consultancy fischer Consulting founded subsidiaries in Italy and China in 2017, continuing its internationalization strategy.

At the end of 2017, the fischer group of companies employed around 5,000 people worldwide, 400 more than at the end of 2016 (up eight percent). Training has always been of great importance. The company currently employs 105 apprentices and students from the Cooperative State University. In total, fischer provides training in 29 different technical and commercial professions. In the past financial year, 825 young people applied for 41 apprenticeship and dual study places. fischer has received several awards for its outstanding training, which offers far more than other training companies with various seminars, initiatives and stays abroad: In 2017, for example, the company received the "DHBW Dualer Partner Award" and the IHK seal of approval "Excellent training company". In addition
fischer was named "Germany's best trainer" by the business magazine Capital and "Best training company in the field of assembly and fastening technology" by Focus Money.

Since its foundation in 2010, the Klaus Fischer BildungsZentrum, the company's own general further training facility, has recorded more than 8,500 registrations for over 560 free events attended by fischer employees outside of working hours.

Expansion of international activities

The group of companies has also been operating successfully internationally for several decades. Accordingly, the fischer national subsidiary in the Czech Republic celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Ivanovice na Hané site in 2017. In the same year, a new production hall with a usable area of 7,200 square meters was opened there. More than 1,900 different fastening products are manufactured in Ivanovice na Hané and exported all over the world.

The Chinese subsidiary fischer fixings Co. Ltd. in Taicang can also look back on a successful 20-year company history. In June, the anniversary is celebrated together with the inauguration of a new production building for the fischer automotive systems subdivision (10,500 square meters of floor space), which has been based in Taicang for years. In South America, Buenos Aires, fischer Argentina also celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2017.

With the opening of a new location in Freiburg in 2017, the company has also committed itself to its German locations. The headquarters in Freiburg covers a site area of 13,900 square meters and a floor space of 8,600 square meters. The move was made from neighboring Emmendingen, the previous location of the Upat brand.

In the current financial year, the fischer group of companies is planning for similar sales growth as in 2017. In addition, further companies will join fischer. kp