With sales of CHF 465 million, the Kistler Group recorded growth of 7.1 percent in 2023, or 14.2 percent adjusted for currency effects. At CHF 429 million, incoming orders remained below expectations and 14.8 percent below the previous year's result. Despite difficult market conditions, Kistler is investing in innovation and the development of new markets.
The original expectations for growth were not met. Cooling markets, cost increases and the appreciation of the Swiss franc against the leading currencies made incoming orders more difficult in 2023. The markets in China are only recovering slowly after the pandemic.
Globally, Kister invested in several locations in 2023. The new dummy calibration laboratory for crash tests was opened in Shanghai, offering customers in the Asian region a complete range of automotive safety services. The Bratislava site has become the Kistler Group's international software hub with the move to a new, modern office. At its headquarters in Winterthur, Kistler acquired land for its future Smart Factory in 2023 and set up the new Innovation Lab at the Technopark.
Innovations for new applications
The new "Structural Health Monitoring" application from Kistler is used to monitor bridges and railroad tracks to protect critical infrastructure and to initiate repairs and renovations in a cost-effective and timely manner. In the US alone, the government has allocated USD 40 billion to repair bridges across the country.
Investment in employees
Globally, 120 new jobs were created. The number of employees worldwide amounts to 2,217. "Innovation, technology and products: This is only possible with the right people," says Rolf Sonderegger, CEO of the Kistler Group. "Predictability will also be a challenge in 2024. Nevertheless, we are cautiously optimistic and are sticking to our future course of growth through innovation."
About the Kistler Group
Kistler is the global market leader for dynamic pressure, force, torque and acceleration measurement technology. Cutting-edge technologies provide the basis for Kistler's modular solutions. Customers in industry and scientific research benefit from Kistler's experience as a development partner, enabling them to optimize their products and processes so as to secure sustainable competitive edge. Unique sensor technology from this owner-managed Swiss corporation helps to shape future innovations not only in automotive development and industrial automation but also in many newly emerging sectors. Drawing on our extensive application expertise, and always with an absolute commitment to quality, Kistler plays a key part in the ongoing development of the latest megatrends. The focus is on issues such as electrified drive technology, autonomous driving, emission reduction and Industry 4.0. Some 2,200 employees at more than 60 facilities across the globe are dedicated to the development of new solutions, and they offer application-specific services at the local level. Ever since it was founded in 1959, the Kistler Group has grown hand-in-hand with its customers and in 2023, it posted sales of CHF 465 million. About 9% of this figure is reinvested in research and technology – with the aim of delivering better results for every customer.
