The group of companies has created several hundred jobs, invested heavily and improved its sustainability. According to CEO Matthias Altendorf, the family-owned company can thus meet the challenges of the coronavirus crisis from a position of strength.

"2019 was a good year for Endress+Hauser," emphasizes Altendorf. "Our growth was broad-based and balanced." The company, which specializes in measurement and automation technology for processes and laboratories, increased its net sales by 8.0% to 2.652 billion euros despite a slowing economy. This development was mainly driven by small and medium-sized projects, explained the CEO at the annual media conference in Basel.

Focus on innovation and sustainability

Endress+Hauser filed 318 patent applications for the first time in 2019. 7.6 percent of turnover is invested in research and development. More than 1,100 employees work on new products, solutions and services. At the end of 2019, Endress+Hauser had 14,328 employees worldwide. This means that 400 jobs have been added within a year.

The company has also made progress in the area of sustainability. In the annual EcoVadis audit, Endress+Hauser was ranked among the top 2 percent of the global peer group. By switching to green electricity in production, the company was able to reduce its_{CO2 emissions} by more than a third.

USA remains largest market, China overtakes Germany

Strong growth impetus came from Asia in 2019. Europe performed well, South America very well. North America, on the other hand, fell short of expectations, while business in Africa and the Middle East declined. China overtook Germany in terms of sales and is now just behind the US, which remains Endress+Hauser's largest sales market.

The changed market environment is reflected in the operating result (EBIT) of 343.4 million euros (up 3.9%). Earnings before taxes (EBT) grew by 9.9% to 346.9 million euros. This was driven by a significant improvement in the financial result compared to 2018. The return on sales (ROS) climbed by 0.2% to 13.1%.

Earnings after taxes rose by 14.3% to 265.9 million euros in 2019. The equity ratio reached 75.6%, 4.6 percentage points more than in 2018.

Corona effects cannot be assessed

Endress+Hauser has started 2020 with a further increase in its order backlog. However, the coronavirus pandemic is making it much more difficult to achieve the original targets. "We cannot yet assess the economic impact. But the crisis will leave its mark on our customers and us," says CEO Altendorf. The Group reacted early to the spread of the virus and did everything it could to protect people's health and continue to provide good support to customers.

"We are bridging the physical distance through digital and emotional proximity," explains Altendorf. At peak times, up to 10,000 employees are currently working from home. Customers can use the website to order devices or track orders. An online tool enables remote support with video assistance.

Group wants to secure employment

"Our everyday heroes work in production, logistics and service, or under difficult conditions in the office and home office," says Matthias Altendorf. Thanks to great efforts, it has been possible to guarantee the availability of materials, keep transport chains intact and support customers in all matters. "The Group's plants are working, Endress+Hauser is still able to deliver. We have always done solid business and are in an excellent position as a company," he emphasizes. "We will do everything we can to secure jobs and get Endress+Hauser through this crisis in good shape." The shareholder family supports this course and accepts a decline in profits, said Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. h.c. Klaus Endress. "We want everyone to be on board when the wind changes and things start to move forward again."