Press releases
Würth Group achieves record sales and operating result – investments in research and development.
The Würth Group, the global market leader in assembly and fastening materials, achieved a new record in the 2021 financial year with an operating result of more than one billion euros (EUR 1,270 million) (2020: EUR 775 million). With EUR 17.1 billion, the globally active family business generated the highest sales in the company’s history (2020: EUR 14.4 billion). This corresponds to growth of 18.4%, or 19% adjusted for currency effects.
- Sales increase to EUR 17.1 billion, strong double-digit growth of 18.4%
- Operating result reaches a new peak of EUR 1.3 billion
- Largest increase in the past 10 years: number of employees rises to 83,183
- Würth’s digital solutions ease customers’ daily work
- Innovation Centre opens on 28.09.2022
"The coronavirus pandemic and the resulting price increases, as well as material shortages in the procurement market, were our challenges last year. The significant increase in sales and operating result proves that our strategy works, even in times of crisis," says Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Managing Board of the Würth Group. "That is why we started 2022 very optimistically – until 24 February, when the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated. Now it is a matter of facing this unprecedented constellation of uncertainties anew each day."
The 2021 financial year
Always available: stationary, personal, digital
The Group’s international orientation, with more than 400 companies in 80 countries, its broad positioning in the diversified business units of the Würth Line and the Allied Companies, as well as its multi-channel strategy, also paid off in the past financial year. Würth offers its customers worldwide an optimal number of contact points 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: stationary with 2,500 shops, personal through 33,000 sales representatives, and digital through the Würth App, online shop and e-procurement – the e-business sector has developed very dynamically and accounts for around 20 percent of total sales. In this way, the Group was able to guarantee proximity to customers and their supply of materials at all times during the pandemic.
Companies in Germany and abroad with double-digit growth
Germany remains the most important domestic market for the Würth Group, with a sales share of 40.7%. The German companies proved robust in the second year of the pandemic and achieved a sales increase of 14.3%. The Electrical Wholesale division (+28.9%) and the Würth Elektronik Group (+32.5%) were particularly successful. The Industry division compensated for the sales decline of 2020 and achieved the strongest growth of all Würth Line divisions at 18.4%. Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, the Group’s largest individual company, saw its sales rise by 13.4% – the strongest growth of the past ten years. The companies outside Germany also performed successfully, with sales increasing by 21.4%.
The shortage of skilled workers and the procurement situation are placing a heavy burden on the skilled trades sector
Würth provides relief through digitalisation
Supply and material bottlenecks, which already existed before the Ukraine crisis, continue to make everyday work in the skilled trades more difficult. Metals, electronic components and plastics are difficult to obtain. "There is still considerable sales potential here as soon as continuity of supply is restored," Friedmann emphasises. In the 2021 skilled labour report, the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce states that more than one in two companies is unable to fill vacancies in the long term, among other things due to a shortage of labour. This results, among other things, in additional workload for employees, rising wage costs for attracting and recruiting staff, the rejection of orders and, ultimately, a reduction in competitiveness.
"The importance of the sector became clear during the pandemic. The skilled trades continued to operate because they are systemically relevant. From the small but essential repair of an electrical installation to a sustainable infrastructure construction project – craftsmanship is and remains future-proof. We see it as our own task to support our customers wherever we can," says Friedmann, summarising the obstacles in the skilled trades sector.
Intelligent products, smart services and systems
Würth’s goal is to make work easier for customers so that they can focus on their core activities.
"To achieve this, we offer both intelligent products and smart services and systems," says Dr Heiko Roßkamp, Head of Research and Development at Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG. "A good example is our certified anchors with matching design software. With the help of this digital tool, the customer can determine which and how many plugs or anchors need to be installed. This saves time and costs. The existing certification facilitates access to tenders."
The M-CUBE® battery machine series makes the system world visible to the customer in an exemplary manner: "The tedious search for the right battery is over. In the M-CUBE® cordless screwdriver series, one battery fits all tools, from the handheld circular saw to the percussion drill. Every employee always has the right battery with them at every construction site. The digital management tool ORSY®online keeps track of who is using which machine and when the next inspection appointment is due," explains Roßkamp. "With the new innovation centre, we are succeeding in bringing such high-quality in-house developments to market even faster."
Thanks to the ORSY® System shelf sensor, Würth customers no longer need to worry about replenishing materials. The shelf detects removal and automatically reorders. On 2 May 2022, towio, the new cloud solution for tradespeople, was launched. Via this digital platform with an integrated app store, the customer can do office work on a laptop or mobile phone. Whether it concerns order processing, preparing service reports, ordering materials, photo documentation or payment processing: the customer compiles these individual modules as needed via the app store. The link to the online shop and to existing e-services such as the ORSY®online administration tool enables the customer to handle all administrative activities via one single tool.
"We keep our customers’ backs free and give them the freedom to focus on their core activities and other topics such as advisory discussions, customer acquisition or staff recruitment," Friedmann summarises the benefits.
Employees
The number of employees worldwide rose in the 2021 financial year to 83,183 (2020: 79,139). Of these, more than 33,000 work in the sales force. In Germany, the Group employs 25,438 people. With 4,044 new colleagues, this is the largest increase in the past ten years.
Equity provides security
The Group’s equity increased by 15.3% in the past financial year to EUR 6.8 billion. With this increase of EUR 904 million, the equity ratio rose to 45.2 percent (2020: 43.8 percent), and is therefore at a very good level. The rating agency Standard & Poor’s confirmed the Würth Group’s 2021 rating as A/outlook stable, which demonstrates the company’s stability.
Outlook for 2022
The challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic have intensified due to the conflict in Ukraine and the coronavirus situation in China. In view of the current global economic and political situation, it is not possible to make a reliable forecast for the further development of the Würth Group in 2022. In the first four months of 2022, the Group achieved sales growth of 18.8%, or 17.2% adjusted for currency effects. This sales growth is broadly based, both regionally and across the business units. The number of employees increased by 4.4%. The operating result is 11% above last year’s level.
"This development makes us cautiously optimistic despite global economic and political events," says Friedmann. "We are focusing on anticipating challenges such as delays in supply chains, material bottlenecks and price increases so that we can continue to be a reliable partner for our customers in the future."
- Sales growth of 18.5 percent to EUR 17.1 billion.
- Operating result rises to EUR 1.2 billion.
- Share of e-business increases to almost 20 percent.
- Worldwide pick-up shops more than doubled over the past ten years.
- New administration building: construction to start in May 2024.
- Inauguration of the innovation centre in the third quarter of 2022.
The Würth Group set historic records in the 2021 financial year: according to the preliminary annual financial statements, the company generated sales of EUR 17.1 billion (2020: EUR 14.4 billion), corresponding to an increase of 18.5%, or 19% adjusted for currency effects. In Germany, the Würth Group’s sales increased by 14.1% to EUR 6.9 billion (2020: EUR 6.1 billion). At EUR 10.2 billion (2020: EUR 8.3 billion), the Würth companies abroad achieved even more successful results.
In Southern and Western Europe, the Group’s companies reported above-average growth rates, partly due to the very sharp decline in sales in 2020 in countries such as Spain, Italy and France as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly successful were the Würth Elektronik eiSos Group (+36.8%) and the Electrical Wholesale unit (+28.8%). Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG (AW KG), the parent company and the largest individual company of the Würth Group, generated external sales of EUR 2.1 billion (+11.3%).
According to preliminary annual financial statements, the Würth Group’s operating result, at EUR 1.2 billion, is significantly higher than in the previous year (2020: EUR 775 million). Strong sales growth and higher productivity made a major contribution to this positive result. In addition, as a consequence of the pandemic, expenditure on travel, trade fairs and conferences did not increase in 2021.
"We are in the middle of the fourth wave of the pandemic, and developments in supply chains are presenting all of us with a challenge. Achieving results like these under such circumstances shows that we have tailor-made products and services for our customers. It is also important to radiate calm and security in a crisis. In a family business like ours, Prof Reinhold Würth and Bettina Würth play a decisive role in such a situation." said Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Managing Board of the Würth Group.
MULTI-CHANNEL STRATEGY TAKES EFFECT
The number of shops worldwide has more than doubled over the past ten years to 2,497. The purchase of materials by our customers through these shops is an important part of our multi-channel strategy. In addition, our digital channels, such as the online shop, e-procurement and the Würth App, offer the right solutions for contactless shopping. In the 2021 financial year, the e-business unit generated sales of EUR 3.4 billion, which, at 19.9% of the Group’s total sales, represents a new record.
EMPLOYEES
The number of Würth Group employees increased by 4,044 to 83,183 in the 2021 financial year. In Germany, the number of employees stands at 25,438. Worldwide, the Würth Group employs more than 33,000 sales representatives.
INVESTMENTS IN THE KÜNZELSAU SITE AND THE HOHENLOHE REGION
The new innovation centre in Künzelsau-Gaisbach will open in the third quarter of 2022 with the aim of streamlining innovation cycles, bringing new and further developments to market more quickly and offering customers even more value-added solutions. At the same time, a new parking garage is being built with 752 parking spaces, including 48 e-charging spaces. In addition, the company is investing in a new administration building with around 375 workstations. The start of construction is planned for 2024. The focus of this construction project is on sustainability and the circular economy: the 49-metre-high building will be based on a hybrid timber structure. The high proportion of prefabricated timber elements will reduce the carbon footprint.
OUTLOOK FOR 2022
The situation on the procurement market will remain tense in 2022. The German government’s decision to make vaccination compulsory will have a major impact on the development of the pandemic and thus on economic activity.
"Despite these uncertainties, we expect to achieve new record sales in the coming financial year and to realise adequate growth in the operating result, because our multi-channel strategy, extensive digitalisation and large number of our own production facilities place us in an independent position now and in the future." said Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Managing Board of the Würth Group.
Info: communication@wurth.be
As part of a global sales campaign, Würth customers had the opportunity to purchase a special-edition 50-piece tool set and a torque wrench. For every special-edition product sold, the Würth Group donated two euros to UNICEF.
For more than 30 years, the RW WORKOUT Week has been an integral part of the cooperation between the internal and field sales teams of the Würth Group companies. During these accompanying days, internal sales staff join account managers on their daily customer visits. This not only strengthens cooperation, but also gives both field sales staff and customers the opportunity to suggest improvements and ideas to the internal sales staff in personal conversations. Due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19, personal customer visits by account managers and internal sales staff were only possible to a very limited extent this year. Therefore, most sales discussions between sales representatives and internal sales staff took place by telephone or video call.
Global sales activities lead to donation.
This was the fourth time Würth combined the RW WORKOUT Week with a contribution to a good cause: two euros were donated to UNICEF for every limited special-edition item sold. In this way, EUR 250,000 was raised through global sales activities. “Despite the fact that we were unable to visit customers in person this year, it was still very important for us to carry out the campaign, because helping others is part of our corporate identity. Especially in times like these, it is all the more important not to lose sight of our social responsibility. With this donation, we are giving something back to society and supporting people who are in great need of our help,” says Bettina Würth, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of the Würth Group, about the campaign.
Isibindi adolescent youth development programme.
The donation is being made to UNICEF South Africa’s “Isibindi Adolescent Youth Development Programme.” Isibindi was established in response to the HIV epidemic in 2000, as many children had been orphaned or put at risk by the epidemic. Isibindi is a programme that engages children in a community in order to protect them from abuse, neglect and violence. The programme focuses in particular on the psychological well-being of children and adolescents, for example by creating Safe Parks. These are protected places for vulnerable children where they can recover and learn. The positive changes that Isibindi can create for these children give them hope and new opportunities for the future.
“The Isibindi programme pursues an end-to-end approach for children, young people and families throughout South Africa who are vulnerable to abuse, violence, neglect or exploitation,” says Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative. “Activities in Safe Parks, as well as visits to their homes, improve and protect the psychological and physical well-being of children and adolescents across the country. The far-reaching consequences of COVID-19 have meant that vulnerable children and young people are now at even greater risk. That is why Würth’s support is so important in further expanding these essential measures. In this way, we can improve the daily lives of disadvantaged communities, give children and young people hope and provide opportunities.”
Despite the coronavirus crisis, the Würth Group slightly increased its sales in the 2020 financial year to EUR 14.4 billion (2019: EUR 14.3 billion). This corresponds to growth of 1%. Adjusted for currency effects, the increase amounts to 2.0 percent. At EUR 775 million, the operating result was slightly higher than in the previous year (2019: EUR 770 million). This was due to strict cost management. The travel and conference costs saved as a result of the pandemic were particularly significant. This made it possible to offset the decline in sales in profitable business sectors caused by coronavirus.
Growth in sales and operating result despite the pandemic
Digital sales channels grow: e-business sales increase disproportionately
Number of employees increases
Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG pioneer within the Group: climate-neutral by 2024
Innovative ideas for greater sustainability: Würth Delivery Day and packaging made from recycled material
Double-digit sales growth in the first quarter
Outlook 2021: Uncertain global economic situation makes forecasts more difficult
Two factors had a decisive influence on the development of sales in 2020: trade, which Würth supplies in its core Würth Line business with fastening and assembly materials, continued to operate at a high level. At the same time, the multi-channel strategy offered customers the right solutions for contactless purchasing of materials – the digitalisation strategy with online shop, e-procurement and Würth App was perfectly synchronised with stationary purchasing in the shops. E-business sales developed enormously in 2020 and increased by 5.8% to EUR 2.8 billion, raising its share of the Group’s sales to 19.3 percent.
"We had already set the course before the pandemic broke out: our customers are familiar with digital ordering channels – in addition, the sales team provides advisory support. This closes the circle: 100 percent flexibility in the procurement of goods, even with contact restrictions," says Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Managing Board of the Würth Group.
GROWTH DESPITE THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
The Würth Group in Germany closed the financial year with growth of 2.9 percent. The pandemic had very different effects on the individual business sectors served by Würth. Both the Construction division (+12.2 percent) and the Electrical Wholesale Germany division (+10.8 percent) recorded double-digit sales growth. In contrast, sales in the divisions supplying directly to the automotive industry and mechanical engineering declined. The automotive industry, already under pressure from efforts to combat climate change, lost significant sales due to falling demand and weeks of production stoppages. The mechanical engineering sector also suffered from this. The companies abroad had to accept a decline in sales of 0.4 percent.
Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, the Group’s largest company, proved particularly stable. In the past financial year, sales increased by 7.4 percent. The potential of digital sales channels during the pandemic is reflected in the figures: the websites of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG receive almost 1,000 search queries per minute. Customers log into the online shop and the Würth App almost one million times per month.
GROUP STRUCTURE CONTRIBUTES DURING THE PANDEMIC
The Group’s international positioning with more than 400 companies in more than 80 countries provides stability in times of crisis. In addition, the diversity of sectors ensures independence from a single industry: in the core Würth Line business, the sale of assembly and fastening materials, the companies supply customers from the metal, automotive, industrial, woodworking and construction sectors; the Allied Companies operate in related industries such as electronics, electrical wholesale and chemicals. This strategic orientation of the Group, combined with its multi-channel strategy, is a key strength, especially during the pandemic.
SUSTAINABILITY IN LOGISTICS
Logistics is one of Würth’s core competencies. In order to support customers with a high order frequency in the efficiency of their workflows and the ability to plan their warehouse management, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG offers the new service “Würth Delivery Day”. This means: instead of many individual orders, customer orders are combined and delivered together on a fixed delivery date during the week. The delivery day is determined by the customer. The potential CO2 reduction amounts to 30 percent per customer.
"By 2024, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG will be climate-neutral and is assuming a pioneering role within the Group. We are already shipping our parcels to customers in a climate-neutral way. By 2030, we want to operate as circularly as possible. To achieve this, we are continuously working on sustainable ordering processes: from digital invoices to sustainable packaging and delivery systems," says Friedmann.
There are several advantages for the customer thanks to the service offering: less packaging material is produced, the amount of filling material decreases and fewer delivery trips are needed – which automatically protects the environment. In addition, the customer can plan personnel expenses according to the number of deliveries. There are plans to roll out this model to all Würth Line companies.
"This example shows how much potential there is and what we can achieve when we rethink processes. It is no longer just about speed, but also about efficiency. There is also increasing demand from the business community for the topic of sustainable management," says Friedmann, explaining the new service offering.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT PACKAGING MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTIC
Together with a packaging manufacturer, Würth developed packaging made from 100 percent recyclate (PCR – post-consumer recyclate from the dual system) for machining tools. The packaging is produced almost CO2-neutrally and consists of 100 percent recycled plastic. The labels are also made entirely from recycled plastic and are applied with environmentally harmless adhesive.
This enabled the new packaging to be Cradle to Cradle™ certified. The advantages of the sustainable packaging: it offers very good product protection while using little material, is reusable and resistant to oils, greases and moisture. Thanks to this conversion, around 45 tonnes of virgin plastic are saved per year and CO2 emissions for this product group are reduced by 77 percent.
"By 2025, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG aims to have converted 50 percent of its packaging to recyclable solutions and to have saved 20 percent of packaging material compared with 2020," says Friedmann.
EMPLOYEES
The number of employees increased slightly from 78,686 to 79,139. In Germany, 24,514 people are employed, corresponding to an increase of 0.7 percent; across the entire Group, there are 33,176 employees in field sales.
EQUITY PROVIDES SECURITY AND INDEPENDENCE
The Würth Group has reliable financial stability: the Group’s equity increased by 6.6 percent in the past financial year to EUR 5.9 billion – an increase of EUR 366 million. The equity ratio thus stood at 43.8 percent at year-end (2019: 44.0 percent). The rating agency Standard & Poor’s confirmed the Würth Group’s A/outlook stable rating in 2020. This once again demonstrates the stability of the business model.
FUTURE OUTLOOK OPTIMISTIC
The outlook of the economic institutes has become more optimistic again. Nevertheless, it is not possible to establish a reliable forecast due to the dynamic infection situation. It therefore remains important for the Group to generate growth from its own resources: through reliable accessibility for customers, a high level of market activity, the expansion of sales capacities and, last but not least, new market shares thanks to a high level of efficiency and financial stability. The figures at the beginning of the pandemic year 2021 show that Würth is still successful in this respect: in the first quarter, the Group recorded a sales increase of 10.3 percent compared to the previous year.
The Würth Group in Germany recorded sales growth of 7.2 percent in the first three months of the new year, while the companies abroad achieved an increase of 12.6 percent. Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG also started the new year very well, with year-on-year growth of 11.0% in the first three months.
Der Umsatz steigt leicht auf 14,4 Milliarden Euro.
Das Betriebsergebnis bleibt auf dem Niveau von 2019.
Die Digitalisierung führt zu überdurchschnittlichem Wachstum im E-Commerce.
Zweistelliges Wachstum in den Geschäftsbereichen Bau und Elektrogroßhandel.
Konsequente Fortführung der Innovationsstrategie.
Nach dem vorläufigen Jahresabschluss meldet die Würth Gruppe für 2020 ein Umsatzvolumen von 14,41 Milliarden Euro und liegt damit leicht über dem Vorjahr (2019: 14,27 Milliarden Euro, +0,9 %, währungsbereinigt: +2 %).
Die Würth Gruppe konnte ihre Leistung dank ihrer Multichannel-Strategie, der Risikostreuung durch ihre internationale Aufstellung und der Diversifizierung über verschiedene Geschäftssegmente hinweg auf einem stabilen Niveau halten. Die Umsatzentwicklung im Jahr 2020 spiegelt die unterschiedlichen Auswirkungen der Pandemie auf die einzelnen Branchen und Märkte wider: Während der Geschäftsbereich Bau (+12,3 Prozent Wachstum) und auch die deutsche Einheit Elektrogroßhandel (+10,8 Prozent) mit zweistelligem Umsatzwachstum sehr gut abschnitten, gingen die Umsätze in den Einheiten zurück, die direkt die Automobil- und Maschinenbauindustrie beliefern.
Die Würth Gruppe setzt ihre Innovationsstrategie auch in Krisenzeiten wie geplant intensiv fort: Die Eröffnung des Innovationszentrums am Hauptsitz in Künzelsau ist für 2022 vorgesehen. Das Gesamtinvestitionsvolumen beläuft sich auf rund 70 Millionen Euro. Auf einer Fläche von 15.000 Quadratmetern entstehen hochmoderne Labore und Werkstätten.
Der Umsatz im E-Business verzeichnete mit 5,8 % ein überdurchschnittliches Wachstum und stieg 2020 auf 2,8 Milliarden Euro. Dadurch erhöhte sich der Anteil dieses Kontaktpunkts am Gesamtumsatz der Gruppe um einen Prozentpunkt auf 19,3 Prozent. Infolge von Kontaktbeschränkungen und Lockdowns verlagerte sich das Geschäft aufgrund der COVID-19-Krise zunehmend auf digitale Vertriebskanäle. Ob Online-Shop, Würth App oder E-Procurement-Lösungen: Dank der konsequenten Fortsetzung der Digitalisierungsstrategie und der finanziellen Stabilität bleibt Würth auch während der Pandemie ein verlässlicher Partner und Lieferant für seine Kunden. E-Business als Teil der Multichannel-Strategie hat erneut an Bedeutung gewonnen.
In Deutschland gelang der Würth Gruppe ein Wachstum von 2,8 %, während die Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG als Muttergesellschaft der Gruppe um 7,4 % wuchs. Außerhalb Deutschlands musste die Würth Gruppe einen Umsatzrückgang von 0,4 % hinnehmen.
BETRIEBSERGEBNIS
Nach vorläufigen Berechnungen blieb das Betriebsergebnis der Würth Gruppe mit 770 Millionen Euro (2019: 770 Millionen Euro) klar auf dem Niveau von 2019.
MITARBEITERINNEN UND MITARBEITER
Trotz der COVID-19-Krise wurde der Personalbestand nicht reduziert, im Gegenteil: Die Zahl der Mitarbeiter stieg um 453, von 78.686 auf einen neuen Höchststand von 79.139 im Jahr 2020. In Deutschland beträgt die Zahl der Beschäftigten 24.514, was einem Anstieg von 0,7 % entspricht. Die Gruppe hat derzeit 33.176 Außendienstmitarbeiter auf der Gehaltsliste.
AUSBLICK
Die wirtschaftlichen Aussichten sind vorsichtig optimistisch. Auch während des zweiten Lockdowns zeigt sich die deutsche Wirtschaft stark, doch die volatile Situation lässt keine klare Prognose zu. Friedmann setzt seine Hoffnung auf die weltweiten Entwicklungen insgesamt.
„Weltweit haben die Impfungen begonnen. Am 20. Januar trat der neue Präsident in den Vereinigten Staaten sein Amt an. Dies gibt Hoffnung, dass wichtige Handelsbeziehungen wiederbelebt und entscheidende Allianzen erneuert werden, wodurch Unsicherheit und Unruhe verdrängt werden. Dies sollte der Weltwirtschaft helfen, wieder in Gang zu kommen, was sich bereits in den positiven Konjunkturprognosen führender Wirtschaftsinstitute zeigt“, sagt Robert Friedmann, Sprecher der Konzernführung der Würth Gruppe.
You can continue to count on us!
Even in difficult circumstances, we go the extra mile for you.
Dear customer,
At present, our country and the rest of the world are facing an unprecedented crisis caused by Covid-19 (coronavirus).
Like you, Würth naturally takes this very seriously, and our top priority is the health and well-being of our customers, our employees and all citizens. Together with the rest of the country, we are also taking the necessary and appropriate measures to combat this pandemic and are strictly complying with the government measures that have been announced.
In addition, we continue to be at your service with all the means at our disposal: through our online shop, the Würth app, our account managers and our shops, which are currently being converted into service points.
At Würth, we believe it is extremely important to continue supplying all our customers and to keep offering our well-known service as a B2B partner, even in these difficult times.
In addition to the fact that various companies are still active, many companies have also had to suspend their activities due to this Covid-19 crisis. Nevertheless, we are noticing that many companies have a strong desire to get back to work, sometimes in an original way.
For this reason, we believe it is very important to continue emphasizing that we are here for you and that you can still reach us through various channels.
How can you reach us?
Order online via wurth.be
Via the Würth app
Via our chat on the online shop
By phone via your contact person, the telephone number of the branch of your choice or via the general number: 014/44.55.66
By email via your contact person, service@wurth.be or your branch
You can also choose home delivery, site delivery or collection from our Würth shops and parcel stations. Check here which shops can still be contacted for orders/deliveries: www.wurthinfo.be/covid-19
We are happy to keep you informed with the latest information via the following channels:
www.wurthinfo.be/covid-19
Subscribe to our newsletter
Follow us on our social media channels
We will also continue to evaluate on a weekly basis how we can further optimise our services. For example, in the coming period we intend to use even more shops as service points.
Of course, we would also like to thank all our customers who have contacted us in recent days and weeks and who ensure that we too can keep our business running.
#WÜRTHCONNECTS
#WEAREHEREFORYOU
Kind regards,
Michel Oliebos and Serge Vranken
CEOs of Würth Belux
MEASURES REGARDING COVID-19
In response to the continuously changing situation regarding COVID-19, we would like to inform you of a number of concrete measures that we, as a company, are taking in the general interest of public health.
- Our upcoming Power Week/Days in the shops in Thimister, Boortmeerbeek and Anderlecht are cancelled and postponed to a later date.
- Our shops remain open during normal opening hours.
- In order to minimise human contact, we recommend that you use our Online Shop and our parcel stations. More information can be found at www.wurth.be.
- Our deliveries currently remain guaranteed, subject to reservation, but we would like to ask you not to make large-scale (panic) purchases in order to guarantee as many deliveries as possible to different customers.
- Würth is in daily contact with customers and we therefore wish to continue keeping them informed through transparent communication. The latest information can always be found on this page as well.
Do you have any further questions? Please contact your Würth contact person or send an email to communication@wurth.be.
DELIVERY OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
At the beginning of March 2020, the German federal government introduced export restrictions for specific personal protective equipment.
The products to which these export restrictions apply:
- Safety goggles and face protection masks
- Disposable masks FFP2 + FFP3
- Protective suits/coveralls
- Chemical-resistant and disposable gloves
This decision by the German government will affect the timely delivery of the above-mentioned products from the Würth range. At present, we are examining alternative delivery possibilities via other Würth locations, taking into account the global spread of COVID-19 and the continued support for the protection of public health.
According to our first cautious forecasts, we may be able to deliver some of the above-mentioned items again in smaller quantities from 23 March 2020 onwards.
Würth is in daily contact with customers and we therefore wish to continue keeping them informed through transparent communication. The latest information can always also be found via www.wurth.be.
Do you have any further questions? Please contact your contact person or send an email to communication@wurth.be.
SALES GROW TO A RECORD LEVEL OF EUR 14.27 BILLION.
According to the preliminary annual financial overview, the Würth Group reported sales of EUR 14.27 billion in 2019 (2018: EUR 13.62 billion). This corresponds to growth of 4.8%. Adjusted for currency effects, growth amounts to 4.2%.
Sales developed in an unusually heterogeneous manner in 2019. This is reflected in the differing developments of both the individual regions and the individual business units of the Würth Group. In Germany, sales growth was modest, with a growth rate of 2.1%. This was mainly due to the struggling automotive industry. Outside Germany, the Group achieved sales growth of 6.8%. Satisfactory growth figures were achieved in Southern Europe (15.3%), South America (8%) and Eastern Europe (6.6%).
E-business sales showed above-average growth and amounted to EUR 2.6 billion in 2019, increasing their share of the Würth Group’s total sales to 18.3%.
OPERATING RESULT FALLS TO EUR 750 MILLION
According to preliminary figures, the Würth Group’s operating result amounts to EUR 750 million and is therefore 13.8% lower than last year (2018: EUR 870 million). This decline is mainly due to the pressure on gross profit margins. It was not possible to fully pass on increased procurement prices to customers in the market. In addition, the Würth Group continued to invest in the expansion of its business model and growth initiatives.
EMPLOYEES
The number of employees rose by 1,606, from 77,080 to 78,686 in 2019. In Germany, the number of employees stands at 24,344, corresponding to an increase of 2.4%. The Würth Group currently has 33,979 sales representatives on its payroll.
MILESTONE ACHIEVED AT AWKG: EUR 2 BILLION IN SALES
Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 1945, reports a sales record of more than EUR 2 billion. In 2019, the parent company of the Würth Group generated sales of EUR 2.09 billion. “There is no better motivation for our anniversary year in 2020: Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG will celebrate its 75th company anniversary and Professor Reinhold Würth will turn 85!” says Norbert Heckmann, Chairman of the Management of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, who is delighted with this milestone.
OUTLOOK
“The general economic forecasts remain cautious. Therefore, the Würth Group expects sales growth with a proportionally higher operating result,” says Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Managing Board of the Würth Group, explaining the expectations for the new financial year.
Würth Belux NV rounded off its 55th anniversary with a performance by Festival of Flanders for its employees.
Würth Belux, the assembly specialist headquartered in Turnhout, rounded off its 55th anniversary year in 2019 in style with a performance by Festival of Flanders.
Since 1 April 1964, the Würth Group has had its own Belgian-Luxembourg branch located at Everdongenlaan in Turnhout. This milestone could not go unnoticed during the 2019 anniversary year, and the entire year revolved around this jubilee. As a stylish finale, all employees were treated to a performance by Festival of Flanders featuring a specially composed work.
Festival of Flanders Mechelen/Kempen had put forward the idea of creating a composition based on Würth materials in honour of 55 years of Würth Belux. The composition was commissioned by Würth Belux and premiered on 20 December 2019. It ultimately became a work for piano, viola, cello and fixed media, entitled Erz & Mond & Tat. Composer Sebastian Bradt began by recording various sounds produced by Würth products, ranging from drills to screws and threaded rods. This formed the basis on which he created a piece of approximately twelve minutes. The result is an exciting work with a distinctly cinematic character and broad audience appeal. The titles of the different parts of the work also refer to metalworking: Das Gewinnen, das Tiefziehen, das Stanzen, das Sintern, das Verfestigen, das Galvanisieren, das Plattieren, das Sublimieren and das Durchhärten. The musicians at the premiere were Jelle Vastershaeghe (piano), Sergio Agreda De Ro (viola) and Eline Duerinck (cello).
“As culture is part of Würth’s DNA, this was the perfect closing event for our successful 2019 anniversary year, and we introduced our employees to our products in a cultural and creative way,” concludes CEO Michel Oliebos.
For many years, the Würth Group has felt closely connected to art and culture. From the perspective of corporate social responsibility, bringing art closer to people and thereby creating greater quality of work and life, including for its own employees, Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth integrated art and culture into the corporate culture of the Würth Group.
Luminus recently installed 978 solar panels on the roof of Würth Belux in Turnhout. The company will consume 90% of the locally produced green energy itself.
Würth Belux’s ambitions in terms of quality and ecology
Würth Belux, part of the Würth Group, was founded on 1 April 1964 and employs around 380 people. Tailored to the work carried out by customers in various sectors, the company supplies 130,000 different products. The product range includes, among other things, fastening materials, anchors and plugs, maintenance products, adhesives and sealants, electrical machines, pneumatic and hand tools, personal protective equipment, workshop equipment and storage systems, as well as furniture and construction fittings.
Würth Belux ensures that the strictest quality requirements and environmental standards are respected.
Serge Vranken, CEO of Würth Belux: “One of our priorities in the coming months and years is to reduce our ecological footprint. The decision to install solar panels at our headquarters was therefore a logical one. As a company and major employer in the Kempen region, we want to set a good example in terms of sustainable development.”
Green and local electricity
Insaver, a subsidiary of Luminus specialising in solar panels and insulation and based in Houthalen-Helchteren, carried out the installation. With an expected annual production of 268,000 kWh, the solar installation, which has been operational since the beginning of October and covers a total area of 1,615 m², will enable the company to reduce its consumption and energy bill.
Jan Pollaris, CEO of Insaver: “More than 90% of the green electricity produced will be consumed by Würth Belux itself. Thanks to this installation, 50 tonnes less CO2 will be emitted each year. We are therefore proud that Insaver has been able to help Würth Belux reduce its ecological footprint.”
Luminus’ strategy: helping its customers consume less and more intelligently
“The fight against climate change is a top priority for Luminus,” says Grégoire Dallemagne, CEO of Luminus. “This installation fits perfectly within our strategy of offering our customers energy-efficient solutions to help them consume less and reduce their CO2 emissions. We are delighted to have been able to support Würth Belux with this investment, which is both economic and ecological!”