- During financial year 2022/2023 (balance date 31 July) Pottinger the Austrian family-owned company continued to grow
- With a further 26,8 percent increase compared to the previous year, the agricultural machinery manufacturer was reports a turnover of EUR 641 million
The company reports its success is down to the commitment of its 2,166 employees. The machines and services provided by the company based in Grieskirchen (AT) continue to be successfully used worldwide, confirmed by its consistently high export ratio of 90 percent.
Innovative equipment for arable farming is one of the key drivers for ongoing growth. The share of turnover accounted for by tillage equipment, seed drill technology and the new range of crop care machines has continued to develop very well. This contributes to more than one third of total machine sales and this sector continues to grow according to plan.
Grassland equipment continued to generate the largest share of machine sales. The new developments in loader wagons with the high capacity JUMBO 7000 and 8000 loader wagons and the smaller BOSS loader wagons with tine conveyor systems as well as the latest developments to mowers and the new MERGENTO merger have made an extraordinary contribution.
Spare parts and wear parts are supplied quickly and are kept in stock for long-term availability and the company’s original spare parts business also grew with a double-digit increase in turnover.
At the 17 sales subsidiaries around the world and in the six production plants in Europe (3 in Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy), around 2,170 people from 39 different countries were employed in the past financial year. In the previous year, there were around 2,000 employees from 36 countries.
Agriculture in the domestic market accounted for a 10 percent of turmover in the past financial year 2022/2023. In terms of market share, Austria continues to be on top of the podium as the country with the highest turnover.
Germany tops the list as the largest single market, followed by France.
The regrettable war in Ukraine has continued to have an impact in some countries.
Growth in turnover, in some cases substantial, was achieved in almost all the regions served in Europe, the Americas and Asia.
In recent years, the company with its long tradition in agriculture has made major investments in expanding production capacities and optimising processes. To further expand its position as a specialist in arable farming, Pöttinger has recently developed numerous innovative and intelligent machines in this sector. This has involved investing in the company’s seed drill technology plant in Bernburg (DE) and the competence centre for tillage equipment in Vodnany (CZ).
Since 2021, the plant in Stoitzendorf, Lower Austria, has been one of the Pöttinger locations producing innovative agricultural technology focused on the future. An expansion to the plant in autumn 2022 further intensified the commitment to this sustainable, site-specific form of crop care.
Another course set for the future in modern arable farming is the acquisition of MaterMacc Spa. based in San Vito al Tagliamento in northern Italy in November 2022. This adds a new series of precision seed drills to the product range.
Rapid progress is being made in expanding the new baler and rake plant in St. Georgen, near Grieskirchen. April 2023 saw the official opening of the second phase with the new powder coating and painting line.
To deliver the best working results, the machines are subjected to continuous inspection and extensive testing. Pöttinger has recently invested in the expansion of its test centre. The new TIZ 3 (Technology and Innovation Centre) is home to prototype construction, test beds for field trials, and measurement and testing technology.
“During the past financial year we have been able to meet the needs of the international markets well, and that is reflected in the pleasing sales results. We went the extra mile to apply our skills in handling unpredictable fluctuations in demand and supply chain challenges. With the extraordinary commitment of our entire team, our innovative agricultural machines, future focused developments in digital applications and the consistent pursuit and implementation of our company strategy, we have succeeded in achieving this new burst of growth,” says Gregor Dietachmayr, Speaker of the Executive Board, commenting on the year’s results.
However, this is no time for the company to rest on its laurels, as Dietachmayr says: “We expect lower levels of demand in most markets in the coming year. Signs of this have been apparent for several months. Despite this, there is still sufficient potential for further development and continuing on our course of growth. Supported by sufficient production capacities, a strong team, improved processes, optimised distribution and a product range that is continuously adapted to the needs of the markets, we are able to respond well to upcoming market fluctuations and are well prepared for future challenges.”