The Weidmüller Group can look back on an outstanding 2021 and is delighted with last year’s results. Weidmüller achieved a turnover of €960 million in 2021, which is 21% higher than the previous year. "After the decline in sales in 2020, which was mainly due to the economic slump caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the recovery anticipated for 2021 has been realised. Anticipated sales were not only achieved, but were exceeded,” says Executive Board spokesman and Chief Technology Officer, Volker Bibelhausen. The economic situation stabilised in 2021 compared to the previous year, which prompted a strong increase in demand for Weidmüller products and solutions.
Long-term investments in all areas
Long-term investments in all areas will continue to form the basis for the steady growth of the electronics company in the future. Weidmüller invested €56 million (approx. 6% of its turnover) in research and development in 2021. A major portion of this investment was in the construction of the new logistics centre. Weidmüller is revolutionising its logistics with the new hub, which is being built over an area of 72,000 square metres near to Eisenach. The hub will be completed in late 2022 after 1.5 years of construction. True to Weidmüller's pioneering spirit, the state-of-the-art logistics centre is largely automated. Endto-end digitalisation and networking will make delivery and customer service even more flexible and efficient. "The forward-looking logistics concept is enabling us to already meet many of the logistics requirements of the future," explains Volker Bibelhausen, and adds: "This is how we set the course for further growth and more customer service.”
Opening of the Weidmüller Academy
The Weidmüller Academy, a new building in Detmold, will be completed in 2021 and will provide space for over 120 trainees and dual students from the commercial and technical fields. Workshops, machinery, rooms for ‘new work’, training and innovations form the core of the new building. 30 employees are responsible for securing young talent, qualifications, training and the networking of education, science and society. “The new Weidmüller Academy is an important building block for the future of Weidmüller. Training young people is not only our social responsibility, but also makes a decisivecontribution to our own skilled workforce,” says CFO André Sombecki.
Investing in new technologies and markets
A range of innovative ideas and electrotechnical solutions are required to meet the current challenges of our time, such as climate change, health, food and raw material supply. The topic of sustainability particularly important to Weidmüller when developing these ideas and solutions, as we are one of the technology pioneers in wind power and photovoltaics, and promote resourcesaving production processes and use sustainable materials. "Sustainable action is part of our DNA. As a family-owned company with a long tradition, we have been committed to greater sustainability and social responsibility beyond our legal obligations for generations," says Dr Timo Berger, Chief Sales Officer of the Weidmüller Group, as he emphasised the activities. In addition, Weidmüller supports the further development of sustainable business, for example with the initiative in the ‘AquaVentus’ sponsorship association. The aim of the funding association is to decisively shape and advance the technology to produce climate-neutral hydrogen from offshore wind energy. Green hydrogen, as an emission-free alternative to conventional energy sources, will be a key component of the energy transition and will help reduce CO2 emissions.
A confident look towards €1 billion
“We are assuming a return to normality, and therefore expect the situation in terms of delivery issues to ease further in the second half of the year," says the Executive Board. Weidmüller is optimistic about progress for the current year. After turnover grew by 20% last year, the Detmold-based family business expects to exceed the 1 billion mark in 2022. "We are focused on continuing to meet the growing demand for our products and solutions quickly and reliably in the future," says Dr Timo Berger, Chief Sales Officer of the Weidmüller Group.