Record year for Liebherr

The Liebherr Group recorded a total turnover of €9.2 billion (US $10.3 billion) - an increase of €414 million ($465 million) or 4.7 percent, for 2015 - compared with the previous period. It is the highest figure in the company’s history.

A rise in turnover of €330 million ($371 million) or 6.2 % to €5.6 billion ($6.3 billion) was reported for the construction machinery and mining equipment, including the earthmoving, mining, mobile cranes, tower cranes and concrete technology divisions.

Sales revenue in divisions not included in the construction machinery and mining area rose by €84 million ($94 million) or 2.4 % to €3.6 billion ($4 billion).

The mobile cranes division increased by 8.4 % to €2.2 billion ($ billion) for 2015, tower cranes were up 6.3 % to €440 million ($494 million) and maritime cranes fell 2.4 % to €964 million ($1 billion).

Positive developments in Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands saw an increase in turnover in Western Europe but sales revenue dropped in France, Liebherr’s third largest market, the company said.

There was also an increase in America and the Far East & Australia as well as a “satisfactory year” in the Near and Middle East. A downturn was recorded in Eastern Europe and on certain African markets.

Liebherr’s workforce has grown to 41,545, which is 706 (or 1.7 %) more than at the end of 2014.

The Group has invested a total of €751 million ($843 million) in its production facilities and in the international sales and service network.

The 2015 results show the first increase in turnover (year on year) since 2012. The company said that it expects the turnover for 2016 to be at the previous year’s level.