"This clearly shows that we have come through the corona crisis well so far, although it is of course a considerable deviation from the original plan," says Lothar Kübler in a press statement. The subsidiaries in China and India as well as some larger OEM customers delivered growth, while business in Germany and some European countries declined. A slight increase was achieved in the USA.

In the "Rotary Encoders and Linear Measuring Systems (Measuring)" division, Kübler achieved almost the same turnover as in the previous year. New products in particular contributed to the increase in sales. For example, smart bearingless magnetic encoders for installation in motors and generators, safety encoders and the new "Ants LES" elevator positioning systems. The 24-hour delivery service with over one million encoder variants was very well received by customers in 2020.

By contrast, the smaller Counting and Process Technology division fell significantly. Kübler recorded double-digit growth in the slip rings division. "New Ethernet slip rings from the SR 120 series are in demand because they support Industry 4.0 concepts in machine applications," says Gebhard Kübler, who is responsible for product strategy in the management team.

The family-owned company, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020, reported an initially strong first quarter of 2020. The second quarter was the weakest of the year, with a sharp drop in turnover and incoming orders. Short-time working was introduced for a short period. Since the end of August, Kübler has recorded a steady increase in incoming orders. The fourth quarter was even stronger than in 2019. In the end, the company achieved Group sales of around € 65 million. "For a coronavirus year, this is a result with which we are very satisfied," summarizes Martin Huth, Managing Director Sales.

Kübler attributes the moderate decline in sales to three causes. Firstly, the company succeeded in strengthening its ability to deliver. Secondly, the core business is in sectors that were less affected by the crisis. Thirdly, the new products that Kübler has developed in recent years as part of its innovation marathon are being felt.

Despite the coronavirus crisis, Kübler made counter-cyclical investments in new sales staff last year. Almost 500 employees work in 11 companies worldwide, including over 360 in Germany. The training rate is 6 to 7 percent. Kübler manufactures at two locations in Germany and at the plant in Pune, India. Kübler also has an assembly facility in Charlotte, USA.

For 2021, the company expects growth to be just under double digits and intends to invest further. With regard to costs, the company is planning for the long term in order to be able to adapt quickly to changing conditions during the coronavirus crisis.