Endress+Hauser sees itself as well positioned after 2019 increases

Endress+Hauser, a measurement and automation technology supplier for process and laboratory applications based in Reinach, Switzerland, states that it performed well across all fields of activity, industries and regions in 2019.

The Endress+Hauser Group reports that it created hundreds of new jobs, invested record amounts and improved in the area of sustainability. According to CEO Matthias Altendorf, the family company is thus in a strong position to address the challenges of the coronavirus crisis.

“2019 was a solid year for Endress+Hauser,” emphasized Altendorf. “Growth was broad-based and balanced.” The measurement and automation technology specialist for process and laboratory applications increased net sales by 8.0 percent to €2.652 billion, despite a weakening global economy. During the annual media conference on financial statements in Basel, the CEO explained that instead of large-scale orders, this growth was driven by smaller and medium-sized projects.

Focus on innovation and sustainability

According to the CEO, this success is also tied to the company’s undiminished innovative spirit. In 2019 Endress+Hauser filed 318 patent applications and invested 7.6 percent of sales in research and development. More than 1,100 people are working on new products, solutions and services. By the end of 2019 Endress+Hauser had 14,328 employees worldwide, including Endress+Hauser Canada based in Burlington, ON. 400 new jobs have been created within one year.

Digital intimacy bridges the physical distance

Endress+Hauser started 2020 with a further increase in incoming orders. However, the coronavirus pandemic makes it massively more difficult to achieve the original goals, the company says. “Although we are still unable to predict the economic impacts of the crisis, we and our customers will certainly feel the effects,” underlined Altendorf. The group responded early to the spread of the virus and used all means at its disposal to protect people’s health and continue to offer customers solid support.

The U.S. is the largest sales market for Endress+Hauser, followed by China and Germany.

“We bridge the physical distance through digital and emotional proximity,” said Matthias Altendorf. The CEO has been driving digitization at Endress+Hauser for years — in the product and services areas, as well as in customer interaction and internal collaboration. At peak periods, up to 10,000 employees are currently working from home. Customers can use the website to order instruments or track orders, and an online tool enables remote support aided by video.

Group aims to safeguard employment

“Our everyday heroes are those working in production, logistics and service, or under difficult conditions from home or in the office,” said Altendorf. Through hard work, the company has been successful in ensuring the availability of materials, keeping the logistics chains intact and supporting customers in all respects. “The group’s plants are operating, and Endress+Hauser is still able to deliver.” The CEO therefore believes that the company is well prepared for difficult times.