Balluff celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021 and exceeded the half-billion euro sales threshold for the first time. Across the Group, sales rose by 23% from € 410 million in the previous year to € 504 million. Sales grew in the double-digit range across all regions. The Asia Pacific region was the growth driver: sales generated there increased by 37% year-on-year to EUR 96 million.

Order intake at the end of the 2021 financial year was 44% higher than in December 2020 and global demand for sensor and automation solutions from Balluff remains high. The company plans to further expand production capacity at its major series production sites. In addition, the global supplier base is to be expanded and the logistics and transportation network is to be aligned even more closely with the regional needs of the markets.

"We have done our homework. The course for our organization is still set for growth," says Managing Director Frank Nonnenmann. "Last year, we completed the realignment of our development and production network and concentrated our production at the two major production sites in Hungary and China. We are continuing to systematically develop our company headquarters in Neuhausen into a center of innovation and expertise." As of December 31, 2021, Balluff employed 3600 people at 38 locations worldwide, four percent more than in 2020.

Growth driver electromobility

Last year,Balluff was able to increase sales in its core industries - the automotive industry, robotics and mechanical and plant engineering. "We realized several major projects last year and thus expanded our volume business," explains Nonnenmann. Balluff is also continuing to drive forward its diversification: sales to customers in the packaging, food and beverage industries increased by 27%. Electromobility, in particular battery production, is also a growth driver with a 50% increase in sales.

Target: generate 10% of sales via the web store

Balluff accompanies its customers on the path to digitalized production. "But the digitalization of our customers' production doesn't just hold enormous growth potential for us," explains Managing Director Florian Hermle. "We are also looking at our own processes and strengthening networked, global collaboration. With our Strategic Incubation Programs (SIPs), we are accelerating innovation and testing business ideas such as the Smart Reordering System or the Portable Condition Monitoring System with our customers."

The company also wants to achieve the goal of a completely digital product life cycle from the parts list to the digital twin by 2025. Another successful example of consistent digitalization at Balluff is the web store, which generated 10% of total sales last year. "Thanks to the store, we are available to our customers seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Orders are automatically forwarded to our global goods distribution center in Neuhausen and delivered the next day. Thanks to digitalization, every customer is just a 'mouse click' away from us," says Hermle.