Last year, Liebherr generated growth both in the construction machinery and mining section and in the section covering the maritime cranes, aerospace and transportation systems, machine tools and automation systems, domestic appliances, components and hotels divisions. Revenue from the construction machinery and mining product area increased by € 337 million or 6.4% to € 5,631 million. This section includes the earthmoving, mining, mobile cranes, tower cranes and concrete technology divisions. In divisions other than construction machinery and mining, revenue increased by € 88 million or 2.5% to € 3,617 million. With a total exceeding € 9.2 billion, Liebherr generated the highest sales revenue in the history of the company.
Business developed quite differently in the various sales regions. Sales declined in Eastern Europe and on the African continent. But increases were posted in the Middle East, the Far East and Australia and in America. In Western Europe – Liebherr's most important sales region – revenue was largely unchanged from the previous year.
The number of employees within the Group rose again last year. At the end of the year, some 42,000 employees were working for Liebherr. That represents a year-on-year increase of 1,080.
Investments in the production sites and the worldwide sales and service network are extremely important for the Group. Last year, substantial investments were made totalling € 746 million.
For the current year, the International Monetary Fund expects the global economy to grow slightly more strongly than it did in 2015. The Liebherr Group expects a moderate growth in revenue. Increases are expected in most product areas. The Group hopes to enjoy positive impetus from the Bauma, the leading international trade fair for construction machines, which will take place in Munich, Germany, in April 2016.
The final figures for 2015 will be announced by the Liebherr Group with the publication of the Annual Report in June 2016. The figures stated in this news are based on forecasts from November 2015.