Sales growth is taking place worldwide. "In Asia and in North and South America, our expectations have been significantly exceeded," emphasizes CEO Peter Fenkl. But even in countries where sales were halved a few years ago due to political upheaval, there has been a good double-digit percentage increase again. 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. Even supposed crisis countries such as Iran are on an upward trajectory, especially in the elevator motor business.

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 stretched over political and economic developments," says Fenkl. Nevertheless, the fan and motor manufacturer is entering the current year with great confidence. This confidence is driven by the positive order intake in the first few weeks of 2018. "This year, we will also once again introduce products that set new records in energy efficiency and invest in the global production and service network," adds the CEO.

The growth in sales goes hand in hand with an increase in the workforce. A year ago, Ziehl-Abegg employed 3550 people worldwide, now the figure is 3900. In Hohenlohe, the number has risen from 2000 to 2200. "This rapid growth challenges us not only 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." The latest generation of the ZAwheel city bus drive incorporates the wishes of bus manufacturers as well as the technical experience of bus operators. The interest shown at the world's largest bus and coach trade fair, Busworld in Belgium last October, was very positive, the CEO is pleased to report. kp