Despite another challenging year, Pöttinger has announced a record turnover for the 2021/22 financial year. The company achieved €506 million in turnover, a 25% (€101 million) increase, the highest year-on-year increase in the company’s 150-year history.
The rate of growth has been attributed to several factors. The company reports a culture of working together among its 2,017 employees worldwide, introducing larger machines and new developments, and the continued growth of digital agricultural technologies.
Measures were implemented to expand manufacturing capacities and optimise production, helping the company to mitigate the impact of supply chain delays.
Grassland equipment performed well, accounting for 67% of turnover. As a market leader in the loader wagon sector, Pöttinger saw a 13% increase in sales, as well as winning a Farm Machine 2022 award for the latest Jumbo model.
33% of turnover was attributed to arable machinery, with the company finding success in the crop care market with its new Flexcare and Rotocare units. Additionally, there was a 12% increase in the sale of original spare parts.
Made in Austria, sold worldwide
The past year saw Pöttinger’s Austrian turnover increase by 9%, making the home market the company’s third highest selling area. Business outside of Austria continued to grow, despite the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
Nearly 60% of turnover was achieved in Germany, France, Austria, Poland, USA and Switzerland. The largest individual markets are Germany with almost 18% and France, which accounts for almost 15% of turnover.
Newer markets also saw significant growth, including the USA (+75%), Canada (+29%) and Australia (+34%); as did several European markets including Belgium (+52%), Poland (+36%) and Sweden and Denmark (each +35%).
Investments continue to be made throughout the company’s worldwide locations. At the Austrian headquarters, as well as at the seed drill technology plant in Bernburg, Germany and the competence centre for tillage equipment in Vodnany, Czech Republic, automation systems and the latest technology are been installed.
The second expansion phase is progressing well at the new baler and rake plant in St. Georgen, not far from the headquarters, with the new painting line scheduled for completion in January 2023.
The plant in Stoitzendorf, Lower Austria, from which the crop care machines have been sourced since August 2021, has also been expanded by a further 1,500m² due to their great success. The third phase of the TIZ Technology and Innovation Centre, where Pöttinger tests its machines under the toughest operating conditions, is already taking shape and is expected to open in December 2022.
In northern Germany, the new sales and service location in Hörstel will offer more space for building customer relations and partnerships.
“In the end, our expectations were indeed exceeded. A challenging and demanding year with unforeseeable events is behind us, and another one is certain to follow,” said Gregor Dietachmayr, spokesperson for the management team. “Flexibility, intensive work, the above-average commitment of the entire Pöttinger team and the consistent pursuit of shared objectives have paid off.”
The company sees the high market prices of agricultural products as an opportunity, while high energy prices will have an impact across the board. However, the latest turnover figures are said to provide a basis for future growth.
“Looking ahead to the coming year, we expect to remain under pressure from the stressed supply situation. Together with our dedicated team, we will continue to make our contribution to ensuring the supply chain of high quality food from farmers to the population,” said Mr Dietachmayr. “Everyone needs agriculture!”