This sentiment was echoed by Christopher Vitz, responsible for Central Europe, during a press conference at Fakuma, despite the company presenting somewhat lackluster figures. For the fiscal year 2024-2025, the Austrian IMM manufacturer estimates sales of around €1.5 billion, a 7% drop from the previous year, which had already declined by 6%. More than half of these revenues will come from Europe, 31% from the Americas, 16% from Asia, and 2% from other regions. New orders are also down 2%.

 

While a recovery in demand is not ruled out, it is not expected in the short term. High energy costs, a weak economic outlook, the transformation of the automotive industry, and volatile political situations continue to pose obstacles to investment.
"We do not expect to reach past record numbers next year, but we see signs of a slight upward trend," said Vitz.

 

Engel’s optimism is rooted in the belief that, during crises, customers rely on stable, solid partnerships, as well as on modern, innovative technologies.
Vitz believes the company is well-positioned to meet these needs through its network of technology centers across Europe.

Outside of Europe, economic development follows different paths: Engel is experiencing overall positive growth in the Americas, except in the automotive sector, while the Asian market remains weak. In the technical molding sector, the U.S. market is performing well, while in Asia, there is increasing focus on local solutions.
The packaging sector is stable in both regions compared to 2023. Additionally, Engel notes that global automotive production is gradually recovering, with Asia rebounding more quickly than Europe and America.

To address these challenges, the Austrian manufacturer is relying on its global presence and a tripartite organizational structure, with independent hubs in Europe, America, and Asia, each handling sales, order management, production, and after-sales service, following the approach of "in the region for the region."

A sign of changing markets is Engel’s decision to showcase, for the first time at Fakuma, a two-platen press from the Wintec brand, originally intended for the Asian market but now offered in the West with a richer range of options, aligning with European market demands.
This year, Engel's exhibit at Fakuma features four injection molding machines, surrounded by “expert corners” dedicated to digitalization, automation, and polyurethane overmolding.

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