“This very positive result for 2025 is particularly remarkable as we were able to achieve strong growth worldwide despite ongoing geopolitical challenges – almost exactly in line with our plans,” says Christoph von Rosenberg, CFO of the ifm Group. While demand in the German market declined, caused in particular by the weak order situation in the mechanical engineering sector, this was more than offset by strong growth in the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas. Strong momentum came especially from the process industry, where a number of new products met with a very positive customer response and drove substantial growth in this segment.

Despite significant exchange rate effects, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased slightly by 1% compared to the previous year to reach EUR 69 million. The workforce grew to around 9,120 employees. More than 5,260 of these are based in Germany. The company’s innovative strength is clearly evident in the approximately 1,500 employees working in research and development.

Following the change of name to ifm group se on 1 January 2025, the investor KKR has held a minority stake since October 2025. Through this partnership, the family-owned business aims to secure future success and sustainable growth for the next generation. One of the highlights of the past year was the start of construction on a new plant in Suzhou, China, in April. Production at this sustainable production site, which complies with the DGNB Gold standard, is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027. This will enable ifm not only to maintain its 20-year long sales presence in this important market, but also to reinforce its position through local production and R&D expertise. With these milestones, ifm sees itself very well positioned for the future and expects positive growth again in the current year.