Beckhoff Automation with sales of 1.17 billion euros

However, the sharp decline in sales had been expected, as an exaggerated 'boom' development had been observed in previous years. Cumulative growth of over 80% was achieved in the years from 2021 to 2023. This exaggerated development was followed by a significant market correction in 2024. The previously developed economic bubble burst as predicted. "This is my sixth crisis in 45 years of entrepreneurship and almost all crises have followed a very similar pattern," explains managing owner Hans Beckhoff. "We can certainly expect a recovery, but we have to see the crisis as an opportunity for innovation and optimization and tackle it!" The company believes that it has already bottomed out. As a basis for future growth, the family-run company from Verl continues to focus on continuous innovation and high-tech engineering.

Beckhoff employs around 5,300 people worldwide, including around 2,000 engineers who bring technological expertise to the company and thus form the basis of its innovative strength. The company invests 80 million euros annually in research and development.

The uncertain global political situation also presents the company with challenges for the coming year. However, incoming orders are currently showing signs of recovery. "Our customers' warehouses are slowly emptying, and we expect the overstocking effect among our customers to be worked off by the first quarter of 2025 at the latest," predicts Hans Beckhoff.

Product highlights at the Hannover Messe

Beckhoff is presenting innovations in all its product areas at the Hannover Messe. Highlights include the new multi-touch panels and next-generation Industrial PCs. The new generation of operating panels offers improved user-friendliness. Another focus is the new solutions for energy measurement technology for the precise measurement and analysis of energy consumption. In the software area, new machine learning solutions and TwinCAT PLC++, a new PLC generation in the TwinCAT system, are available.