Safety – expanding global presence
The Safety Business Unit had another record year – characterized by growth, innovation and a successful acquisition. Despite global challenges, it remained the market leader and also provided new impetus in hydrogen mobility. In 2025, the focus will be on integrating new business areas and expanding into growth regions.
Safety was once again able to increase its sales in 2024 and generated revenue of 121.5 million euros. Despite economic uncertainties in Europe and temporary restraint on the part of customers in North America, the Business Unit was able to further expand its market position. The broad positioning in all three market segments – Dust Explosion Protection, Static Control and Engine & Generators (E&G) – contributed significantly to this. In particular, the ongoing boom in the shipbuilding sector in Asia led to strong demand in the E&G segment, while the aftermarket business, especially in North America, yielded with a high order volume. The positive business development was driven by many medium-sized projects that required a high degree of flexibility and strong commitment from the teams.
“In 2024, we continued to grow, entered new markets, and strengthened our position as a global technology leader through innovation and successful M&A activity.”
CFO, and Member of the Executive Board
Strategic investments as a growth driver
The Safety Business Unit once again made significant progress in 2024. The eSUPPRESSOR® successfully established itself on the market and further strengthened HOERBIGER as a technology leader. Innovative applications were developed in the area of battery recycling, while the insourcing of the FAB-4 field connection box secured the internal value chain. One milestone was the commissioning of the new production site in Changzhou, which significantly strengthens the local market presence in China. The “local-for-local” strategy has proven to be a successful concept and is reflected in a significant increase in customer demand compared to the previous year.
Successful acquisition and market expansion
A significant milestone in 2024 was the acquisition of the BICERA™ product line from US manufacturer Penn-Troy, which was formally concluded at the beginning of January 2025 after due diligence was completed and the contract signed. This acquisition represents a strategic step towards further expanding the company’s global market leadership in the E&G segment and strengthens its presence in North America in particular. In addition, the product line enriches our technology portfolio with innovative solutions for hydrogen mobility – a future-oriented growth area. The focus is now on ensuring a seamless transition for existing customers.
Team spirit and commitment as the key to success
The outstanding performance of the Safety Business Unit in 2024 was largely made possible by the dedicated commitment of its employees. The IT incident in the summer presented the team with major challenges, as service calls to customers had to be carried out without the usual IT support. Thanks to a strong team performance, all customers were supported promptly and the significant increase in sales in recent months meant that the annual target was still achieved. The team spirit, commitment and ingenuity of the workforce were crucial to the successful annual results.
Outlook for 2025: growth and strategic integration
The focus for 2025 is on the successful post-merger integration of the BICERA™ acquisition, as well as expansion in the Latin America and Asia-Pacific regions. Despite macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly in Europe, Safety is optimistic about the future. True to the guiding principle “Safety matters”, the unreserved commitment to safety as a central market need remains the key driver of business development. With new products, further investments in local markets and the consistent implementation of the innovation strategy, the Business Unit is continuing on its successful growth path.