2018 Financial Report: Häfele with 1.6 percent Euro growth | Investments in the future
Strengthening our competence in logistics and LED lighting
Active in 150 countries throughout the world, the international Häfele Group for hardware technology, electronic access control systems and LED lighting, increased its net sales from 1.375 to 1.397 billion Euro, 80% of which were generated outside of Germany. This corresponds to an increase of 1.6%. Adjusted for currency effects, the growth amounted to 5.6%. The company's management is satisfied with this result given the challenging international market environment.
In 2018, the 37 foreign subsidiaries generated growth of 2.3%, positively contributing to the overall result. The parent company in Germany and its five production companies generated a very small increase of 0.4%, which is especially attributable to challenges in the direct export business.
In 2018, the company’s worldwide employee count increased by 200 to reach 7,800. In Germany, the number of employees, trainees and students remained unchanged at 1,600.
Häfele supplies the world’s leading furniture manufacturers, architects and planners as well as its joiner/cabinet maker partners and dealers. The company’s own products are manufactured in one of five production facilities and sold around the globe through one of its subsidiaries or one of their 1,500 business partners.
Outlook 2019: Major Investments for Future Growth
The corporate group is embracing the new financial year with confidence and is expecting another growth in the mid-single digit range. Some 73 million Euro will be allocated to markets, logistics, IT and production during 2019.
A second distribution center is currently under construction near Hanover and will supply customers in the north of Germany and neighboring countries. Through its acquisition of lighting specialist Nimbus, Häfele is expanding its expertise on the growth market for LED light in furniture and rooms.
360° Comprehensive Project Solutions: Hospitality— A Focal Area
The importance of the global hospitality market continues to grow. International market expertise, a comprehensive range of products and manufacturer-independent consulting and advice are the central pillars of the 360° comprehensive project solutions of the Häfele hotel experts. This delivers benefits to international hotel chains, family-run private hotels and all other “buildings with beds.”
Smart Functionality Trendsetter for a Digital World:
The hardware technology specialist has also become a pioneer in the growth market for Smart Home concepts. The Häfele Connect app networks and controls light and sound as well as electrical drives in furniture. With its motto “Thinking ahead,” Häfele paves the way for a smart world of furniture and rooms.
