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Würth Group sales increased by 12.3 percent in 2011 to a total of 9.7 billion euros.
In 2011, the Würth Group set another sales record, achieving sales of 9.7 billion euros. According to the preliminary annual financial statement, the company grew by 12.3 percent. The operating result is expected to reach last year's level. Sales increased particularly strongly in Germany, where Group companies grew by 14 percent, reporting 4.4 billion euros in sales. Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG made a major contribution to this result. The Group's parent company stepped up sales by 13.2 percent to 1.2 billion euros.
Supporting future development, further investments are being made in the company's Künzelsau location. On 6th December 2011, the foundation stone was laid for what Würth Group describes as its most efficient and most modern distribution centre. Investment in the project will total 60 million euros. A new annex to the administrative building in Künzelsau will be completed in spring 2012.
The Group's 2011 operating result is expected to exceed last year's level by approximately 80 million euros; however, it has been negatively affected by losses in solar production, especially with regard to the withdrawal from this line of business. Therefore, it is estimated that the operating result 2011 will reach the same level as last year's result at around 385 million euros.
Group employee numbers increased by 3,680 to 66,113- almost half operating as sales representatives. In Germany, an additional 1,446 employees were hired. "In 2012, we are also planning double-digit sales growth for the Group", says Robert Friedmann, chairman of the central managing board of the Würth Group. "Only the global economic situation may darken these hopes." The great insecurity regarding the further course of the Euro crisis as well as its consequences for the European Monetary Union puts a strain on the economic development. 2012 will nevertheless be a very special year for the Würth Group: The Group intends to generate sales of 10 billion euros for the very first time. Certified annual accounts will be publicised on 10th May 2012.
