Contact:
Mag. Marco Karnthaler
Phone: +43 676 83 646 212
E-Mail: marco.karnthaler@aichelin.com
- Corporate development
- Metal and technical industry
- Heat treatment
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- AICHELIN Group
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Mödling (ptp011/27.05.2025/09:00) - The AICHELIN Group, a member of Berndorf AG and global provider of industrial heat treatment solutions, looks back on an eventful year 2024. Despite global uncertainties, the group achieved a stable business development: At EUR 183 million, sales remained at the level of the previous year (2023: EUR 185 million[1]). In addition to driving the operational business forward, the Group has set its strategic course for the future: the focus was on entering the vacuum heat treatment segment, investing in growth markets and further developing its overall strategy and positioning.
Market entry into new technologies: Joint venture for vacuum heat treatment
A milestone in 2024 was the operational implementation of the joint venture with Sistem Teknik in the field of vacuum heat treatment. With the successful establishment of the new organization, the AICHELIN Group is entering a future-oriented technology field and strategically expanding its product portfolio. The first vacuum furnaces have already been delivered to the market.
"With our entry into vacuum technology, we have taken an important step in our long-term growth strategy. The intensive cooperation with our partners has shown the potential of our combined expertise," says Christian Grosspointner, CEO of AICHELIN Group.
Adjustments in Europe - strength through lean structures
Against the backdrop of restrained investment activities, high energy prices and structural uncertainties, the AICHELIN Group has systematically developed its organization in Europe. With the successful sale of its German subsidiary EMA Indutec, the Group has taken a step towards focusing on its core competencies in 2024. At the same time, European production was successfully bundled at the Assembly Center Europe (ACE) in Celje, Slovenia, as part of a streamlined and flexible setup that responds to the ongoing consolidation of the European market.
"Europe is stabilizing at a lower level. This makes it even more important to adapt our own organization and make it more efficient, without giving up our strong industry roots and valuable expertise.," explains Grosspointner. "Our commitment to Europe as a business location remains unchanged."
Global focus: investments in Asia and North America
International positioning continued to be a key success factor for the Group in 2024. AICHELIN Group made targeted investments in regions with high growth potential: in India, a strategic property was purchased on which a new production plant will be built from 2025. In China, the local subsidiary will relocate to a state-of-the-art building in Beijing in 2025 to further expand capacity. At the same time, the North American business will benefit from structural modernization and targeted investments.
Service as the key to success
The growing demand for expertise remains a clear industry trend: many customers are reducing their internal technical staff and are increasingly relying on external support. The AICHELIN Group has therefore strengthened its global service network in 2024 with new teams of experts and local support in strategic markets. AICHELIN also offers service for third-party plants, i.e. systems not manufactured by AICHELIN, an area that is increasingly in demand and now accounts for around a fifth of the company's business in Europe.
"For us, service is much more than maintenance - it's a strategic product. Our customers are looking for a long-term, reliable partner who provides advice and solutions. We fill this role with expertise and proximity," states Grosspointner.
Sustainability as an important factor: proven solutions for the industry
AICHELIN is committed to innovation in the field of sustainability. The Group has proven technologies for increasing efficiency and switching to alternative heating systems, including electric systems or hydrogen solutions. Applications such as hydrogen-compatible burners and urea injection for NOx reduction are already in successful use. "Climate-friendly solutions are no longer a vision - we have the technology in-house and are implementing it together with our customers," says Grosspointner.
In 2024, ESG structures were strengthened across the Group, internal processes were adapted to the CSRD, and transparency and the database were further expanded with initiatives such as the ISO 14001 certification for the German service facility.
Prospects for 2025: Strategy 2030 - global proximity, new markets, digital services
Geopolitical developments, such as rising tariffs and tighter market regulations are creating increasing uncertainty in many industries. Thanks to its consistently regional production structure based on the motto "Think global, act local" in Europe, Asia and North America, the AICHELIN Group is well equipped to deal with external shocks, even if the environment remains volatile. In recent months, the AICHELIN Group has developed its Strategy 2030, a clear roadmap for sustainable growth and technological progress. The focus is on diversification into new sectors and fields of applications, both through internal development initiatives and targeted acquisitions. By entering additional markets and customer segments, the Group aims to strengthen its resilience and drive long-term sales growth.
Another strategic focus is consistent localization: products, services and structures are specifically adapted to regional market requirements in order to increase customer proximity and speed of response. In addition, the Group is investing in digital solutions - such as process control systems and automation technologies that increase efficiency and transparency in heat treatment. With its "Service-as-a-Product"-approach, AICHELIN is developing scalable, standardized service packages that can be sold independently of the plant business. The aim is to become a trusted lifecycle partner, supporting customers throughout the lifecycle of their furnace lines - from planning and commissioning to modernization and retrofitting. The aim is to position the company as a reliable lifecycle partner that supports customers throughout the entire lifespan of their furnace lines - from planning and commissioning to modernization and retrofitting.
"We want to grow smartly - with a strong foundation, regional proximity and technological excellence," summarizes CEO Christian Grosspointner the strategic direction. The focus is on acquisitions or partnerships for forward-looking solutions that add value to the existing portfolio. We are pursuing a clear vision: stable and good business development through diversification and entry into new fields of technology. At the same time, we are working on strengthening our positioning both internally and externally. We are therefore optimistic about the further development 2025", concludes Grosspointner.
About the AICHELIN Group
The AICHELIN Group is one of the world's leading providers of heat treatment solutions and is part of Berndorf AG, headquartered in Mödling near Vienna (Austria). Products include industrial furnaces, industrial heating systems, control and automation systems, Industry 4.0 solutions and services. The company's roots date back to 1868. In addition to the renowned AICHELIN brand, the group includes AFC-Holcroft, SAFED and NOXMAT. With more than 1,000 employees, the group ranks among the top 3 heat treatment companies worldwide. AICHELIN has subsidiaries in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, France, Turkey, China, India and the USA. A sales network in another 22 countries completes the Group's global presence. www.aichelin.com (https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r02/___http:/www.aichelin.com___.YzJlOmFpY2hlbGluaG9sZGluZ2dtYmg6YzpvOjFlMGJmZGUwZDMxMGUyODVkOGJlZGI4ZGNlOWFjNTNiOjc6MzgxNjplODNmMzU5NmEzYjFkZGU1YjdlZmQyMjJiMTczNTNhZWViM2FkNWMyMGE4ZTcxY2E5NDRjNzFkODA2YjE4MWJiOnA6VDpG)
[1]Sales of the AICHELIN Group in 2023 excluding EMA Indutec which was sold in 2024
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