Kistler Returns to Growth Trajectory in 2021
Kistler ended last year with a sales growth of 14% despite the ongoing pandemic and some significant delays in global supply chains. In 2022, it aims to return to the pre-crisis level of two years ago, with plans to invest in digitalisation and increase its headcount.
Kistler is a global market leader for dynamic pressure, force, torque and acceleration measurement technology, with cutting-edge technologies providing the basis for the group’s modular solutions. Customers in industry and scientific research benefit from Kistler’s experience as a development partner, enabling them to optimise their products and processes to secure a sustainable competitive edge.
The Kistler group closed last year with slight growth despite the continuing pandemic and some major delays in global supply chains. Sales rose by 14% year on year to reach mCHF 411. A key part of the group’s business success was played by the strategic reorientation measures that were introduced in 2020 and continued in 2021. This positive performance gives grounds for optimism about the current year. Order intake in January was significantly above expectations, easily reaching the highest level in the company’s history.
Kistler CEO, Rolf Sonderegger (pictured), said: “Last year put the effectiveness of our new structures to the test in a difficult global situation, with the ongoing pandemic, crises affecting suppliers and rising raw material prices. The year-end result and orders already received prove that we are on the right track.”
The company responded to the worldwide shortage of electronic components (including semiconductors in particular) by astutely building up stocks so that it could meet its delivery commitments. Regarding the current financial year, Kistler is optimistic that it will continue the trend set in 2021 and will soon return to the pre-crisis level of two years ago. The signals are good: based on the positive order inflow to date, the target of mCHF 450 is now within reach.
A staffing increase of 150 jobs is already included in the definite planning for 2022, with the goal of bringing the headcount to around 2,100 by year’s end. The new positions are mainly being created in research and development, production, logistics, and the international sales and service teams.
Investment in innovation
Kistler took advantage of the past year to focus its energies and consolidate its target markets. Investments are being channeled primarily into the growth areas of digitalisation in the automotive industry and industrial automation. This is the highest development budget in the company’s history, accounting for 8% of total sales revenue.
Click here to find out about Kistler’s services, products and solutions.
Kistler UK
+44 (0) 1256 741 550
Website
