The business development of the PFEIFER Group
The year 2016
In the business year 2016 the group was able to slightly increase turnover to around 250 million euros. In international project business the Cable Structures business unit successfully completed both orders for the Stadium Slaski in Poland and the Athletico Bilbao football stadium. With the acquisition of the US shares in FabriTec Structures and Guard-All Buildings Solutions, PFEIFER has become the only fully integrated full-range supplier in cable structures. The West European companies of the PFEIFER Group recorded slight growth, even though the companies in England are struggling with the fall in the value of the British Pound following the Brexit vote. The East European region is suffering from the continuing negative situation in Russia. The economic growth in China also continues to cool, but is still well above the predictions for Europe and the USA and thus remains attractive and important for the PFEIFER Group. PFEIFER was once again represented at the Bauma by two image booths that reflected the leading market position of the group. Not only was there a marked increase in the number of trade fair contacts in comparison with the bauma 2013, it was also possible over the course of the trade fair to gain relevant new customers and to initiate some interesting orders.
Outlook for 2017
According to current forecasts the growth of the world economy will slow down in 2017. This economic cooling will continue to be a challenge to PFEIFER's business development in 2017. Therefore the group is planning the turnover volume carefully, taking into consideration specific conditions on the markets of the PFEIFER business units. The competitive situation will be further intensified by increasing price pressure in the world regions in which the group is active. This development makes it necessary to press on with the process optimisations already begun. Managing Partner Gerhard Pfeifer regards digitization as a qualitative change in the business processes and an opportunity to improve the market position: "We are facing the challenge of understanding the importance of digital tools. Only the targeted, sensible and careful use of digital aids will render us capable of mastering the requirements of the future."