In the gear technology and automation systems product segment, Liebherr recorded revenue of €296 million in the 2025 business year. This represents a downturn of €12 million or 3.9 % year-on-year.

Both domestically and internationally, the German machine tool industry remained at a low level, with the domestic market particularly struggling. Outside of Germany, there were small signs of stabilisation, underpinned by added momentum in demand for automation and digitalisation solutions, as well as service, updates to existing systems and sustainability. The automotive industry, by contrast, is still defined by reduced investment activity and a profound structural transformation. This industry’s order volumes still fell well short of the previous year. Uncertainty in global trade also put the segment under strain, brought about by US tariff policy and unfavourable exchange rate trends.

Overall, the business year was defined by downturns: both the gear technology sector and the automation system business were faced with challenging market conditions, which could primarily be attributed to the enduring struggles of the automotive industry. The picture varied between regions, however. In the European Union, in Germany especially, revenue in both sectors was down significantly. In the non-EU countries, by contrast, conditions were more favourable, buoyed largely by robust growth in Switzerland and Türkiye. In North America, there was a positive upswing for the automation systems in the USA, while Central and South America registered notable declines in both product areas. This was primarily influenced by the market conditions in Brazil. In the Asia and Oceania sales region, business performance during the fiscal year was restrained in both product areas. Though gear technology appeared a little more stable than automation systems, demand in the two product areas fell short of expectation overall.

A focal point of the product segment’s research and development activities was the BK-D machine platform, which is due to be completed in the 2026 business year. The first platform D machine is currently in trial operation, as is the new LGP 2000 profile grinding machine, the software of which is being further optimised for large-module gear wheels. In measuring technology, too, core projects were completed, such as an updated machine concept and improved testing functions.

In gearing tools, Liebherr presented SkiveFinishing® at EMO 2025, the world’s leading exhibition for production technology. The new technology is designed for the efficient hard-fine machining of internal gearing and is now being put to the test in customer trials. In automation, the focus was on cost-effective solutions such as the fine-tuned RLS 2.0 and the technologically sophisticated dismantling cells for battery packs. Work is ramping up to prepare for market launch.

Based on current market trends, Liebherr anticipates a further decline in revenue for the product segment in the business year 2026.