Large economic challenges as a result of the corona crisis, have dominated the year 2020 for Automatic-Systeme Dreher GmbH from Sulz am Neckar. Despite challenging conditions, the company confirmed the previous year's good level (33.3 million euro) with incoming orders of 32.7 million euro, thanks to two large projects in the German automotive industry, and multiple orders from a grade A customer. At the end of the financial year (30/09/2020), the order volume also reached a historic high of around 50 million euro.
Solid sales figures in the 2019/2020 financial year
In the past financial year, Automatic-Systeme Dreher GmbH achieved a turnover of nearly 28 million euro and expects earnings close to last year's level. The operational yield on an EBITDA basis (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) even increased again in comparison to the previous year.
With a comfortable order volume, DREHER Automation is cautiously confident about the new financial year, which began on 1 October 2020. Despite the good order volume, lower-level efficiency gaps are being systematically smoothed out with short-time work.
DREHER Automation takes on social responsibility
DREHER Automation currently employs 191 employees (previous year 186), of which 33 are young people in training. With a training rate of almost 21 percent, the company is well above the industry and sector averages. Automatic-Systeme Dreher GmbH particularly emphasises their social responsibility as a regional employer. By hiring all trainees, even in 2020, the business is also investing in their own future as an innovation leader.
Nevertheless, the executive board still anticipates human resource challenges for 2021. Unlike in previous years, the focus will not be the question of how to recruit and retain desirable specialised personnel and trainees. The focus will instead be on leading the business through the corona crisis with as little asset loss as possible. This will require a lot of dedication from everyone, as well as a certain willingness to make sacrifices.
Focus on innovations and new developments
To secure the long-term basis of the company, DREHER Automation consistently focuses on new developments and innovations. For example, the company is currently working on the development of a laser blanking line for the continuous cutting of blanks from coil material. In connection with this, Automatic-Systeme Dreher GmbH is participating in a publicly-funded joint project with recognised scientific institutes, such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) in Aachen, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Karlsruhe. Four other mid-sized industrial companies are also part of the project. DREHER Automation expects a technological boost from its participation. This step aims to accelerate the 'time-to-market' and increase the chances of success.
DREHER Automation receives 'eligible' rating
For the third time in a row, Automatic-Systeme Dreher GmbH received an 'eligible' rating (investment grade) this summer, based on the credit rating by Deutsche Bundesbank (German federal bank). The company received this economically significant rating despite an expanded balance sheet, due to new construction with an investment volume of nearly 17 million Euro, and despite the risk analysis following the corona pandemic.
Solid sales figures in the 2019/2020 financial year
In the past financial year, Automatic-Systeme Dreher GmbH achieved a turnover of nearly 28 million euro and expects earnings close to last year's level. The operational yield on an EBITDA basis (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) even increased again in comparison to the previous year.
With a comfortable order volume, DREHER Automation is cautiously confident about the new financial year, which began on 1 October 2020. Despite the good order volume, lower-level efficiency gaps are being systematically smoothed out with short-time work.
DREHER Automation takes on social responsibility
DREHER Automation currently employs 191 employees (previous year 186), of which 33 are young people in training. With a training rate of almost 21 percent, the company is well above the industry and sector averages. Automatic-Systeme Dreher GmbH particularly emphasises their social responsibility as a regional employer. By hiring all trainees, even in 2020, the business is also investing in their own future as an innovation leader.
Nevertheless, the executive board still anticipates human resource challenges for 2021. Unlike in previous years, the focus will not be the question of how to recruit and retain desirable specialised personnel and trainees. The focus will instead be on leading the business through the corona crisis with as little asset loss as possible. This will require a lot of dedication from everyone, as well as a certain willingness to make sacrifices.
Focus on innovations and new developments
To secure the long-term basis of the company, DREHER Automation consistently focuses on new developments and innovations. For example, the company is currently working on the development of a laser blanking line for the continuous cutting of blanks from coil material. In connection with this, Automatic-Systeme Dreher GmbH is participating in a publicly-funded joint project with recognised scientific institutes, such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) in Aachen, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Karlsruhe. Four other mid-sized industrial companies are also part of the project. DREHER Automation expects a technological boost from its participation. This step aims to accelerate the 'time-to-market' and increase the chances of success.
DREHER Automation receives 'eligible' rating
For the third time in a row, Automatic-Systeme Dreher GmbH received an 'eligible' rating (investment grade) this summer, based on the credit rating by Deutsche Bundesbank (German federal bank). The company received this economically significant rating despite an expanded balance sheet, due to new construction with an investment volume of nearly 17 million Euro, and despite the risk analysis following the corona pandemic.
