At the company headquarters in Ostfildern, Pilz combines the development and production of its core products. Close collaboration and short communication channels help to shorten time-to-market.
Further training
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Employees in manufacturing
The company group of Pilz GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Ostfildern near Stuttgart, reports another increase in sales: In 2012, the provider of automation solutions achieved a turnover of 227 million euros. Compared to the previous year, growth was six percent. Despite uncertain global economic conditions and the Euro crisis, the family-owned company was able to continue its growth trajectory. In addition to sales, the family-owned company also increased investments by 15 percent and the number of employees by 12 percent.
More than two-thirds of its sales (67.8 percent) were generated through exports. Key markets remained North America, China, Japan, as well as neighboring European countries. Among the subsidiaries achieving double-digit growth rates in sales are also countries from the EU. "With our portfolio, we can also establish ourselves in countries where the economic conditions are difficult," says Renate Pilz, Chairwoman of the Management Board of Pilz GmbH & Co. KG.
The number of employees in the corporate group increased worldwide by over 12 percent to 1,684 (as of December 31, 2012). In Germany, over all locations, 840 employees, including 30 trainees, were employed as of December 31, 2012.
The owner-managed company invested over 14 million euros in 2012. The focus in the coming months will be on the new manufacturing plants in China and at the headquarters in Ostfildern. After completing the planning, construction of the production facilities is scheduled to begin in Ostfildern in 2013 and in China in 2014.
Research and development have traditionally played an important role at Pilz: As in the previous year, 33 percent of the group’s expenses were allocated to R&D. Based on sales, Pilz invested 15 percent in research and development, significantly above the average level of manufacturing companies.
Global markets offer opportunities
"The challenging economic situation does slow down investments in new machinery. At the same time, it increases the demand for automation solutions that can improve the efficiency and safety of existing machines and systems," explains Renate Pilz. Based on core competence in safety, Pilz offers a comprehensive portfolio of sensors, controllers, and drive technology for all automation technology. The range is rounded off with services: Through consulting, engineering, and training, the company supports throughout the entire lifecycle of machines and systems.
For 2013, the company expects continued moderate growth. "Global economic expectations are very subdued. However, we are optimistic that we will still succeed in leveraging the opportunities that arise despite everything," says Renate Pilz.
