Sales increased by 14% compared to the previous year to 411 million Swiss francs. The strategic realignment measures that were introduced in 2020 and continued in 2021 played a key role in the company's success. The positive development gives cause for optimism for the current year. Incoming orders in January significantly exceeded expectations and are by far the highest in the company's history. Extensive recruitment is also planned for 2022.

"The past year has put the effectiveness of our new structures to the test in a difficult global situation with an ongoing pandemic, supplier crises and rising raw material prices. The year-end result and the orders already received prove that we are on the right track," summarizes Rolf Sonderegger, CEO of the Kistler Group.

The company countered the global shortage of electronic components, particularly semiconductors, with clever stockpiling so that delivery promises could be kept. Looking ahead to the current financial year, Kistler is optimistic that it will continue its 2021 performance and soon return to the pre-crisis level of two years ago. The signs are good: the positive order intake to date brings the targeted sales volume of 450 million euros within reach.

There are already firm plans to increase the workforce by 150 positions in 2022, with the aim of reaching a headcount of around 2,100 by the end of the year. The new positions will primarily be created in the areas of research and development, production and logistics as well as the international sales and service teams.

Investment in innovation

Kistler has used the past year to bundle its strengths and consolidate its target markets. In particular, investments are being made in the growth areas of digitalization in the automotive industry and industrial automation. With a share of eight percent of total turnover, this is the highest development budget in the company's history.