This was mainly due to declining investment behavior in the market, ongoing uncertainties in the automotive industry and the sale of the FIBRO Rotary Tables and FLT Automation business units. Despite this environment, the Group succeeded in making targeted investments in future-relevant topics, further developing its processes and strengthening the performance of its core areas.
"In 2024, we deliberately focused on what makes the LÄPPLE Group strong – robust processes, clear structures and customer orientation in our core businesses," says Stephan Itter, CEO of the LÄPPLE Group. "We have made important decisions, strategic investments, opened up new markets and decisively developed our system landscape – all this during ongoing operations and under challenging market conditions."
Strategic priorities 2024: digitalization, process efficiency and internationalization
A central focus last year was on the modernization of the internal system landscape. In various areas, digital processes have been redesigned, existing structures have been streamlined and data flows have been standardized. One example of this is the successful introduction of the new SAP S/4HANA ERP system at LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE.
Targeted improvements have also been implemented in the areas of data analysis, digital customer communication and product data management, which are now gradually being transferred to everyday operations. The aim is to systematically make the Group more robust, efficient and responsive.
At the same time, the digitalization and AI strategy was further developed – with initial applications in production and administration as well as a close connection to the regional innovation ecosystem around the Heilbronn headquarters.
The LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE business unit continued to be affected by the fluctuations in the automotive market in 2024. In the second half of the year in particular, unused production volumes led to temporary underutilization. However, the broad customer and model base as well as short-term project inquiries helped to avoid larger gaps. An important step was the opening of the new location in Detroit (USA). Existing projects have been successfully transferred there. After a good ramp-up of production, another series order from a new customer in the field of e-mobility has been won in the meantime. In addition, intensive work was carried out, especially at the Teublitz site, on increasing output and expanding activities in the spare parts business.
With the presentation of the new Strategy 2030 in April 2024, the FIBRO Standard Parts business unit has clearly focused on its growth areas. The adopted glocalization strategy makes it possible to serve customers worldwide even more in line with their needs and at the same time increase structural efficiency. Growth potential is seen in the USA and Asia in particular, while there is a noticeable reluctance to invest in Europe. In order to make more targeted use of the opportunities in Asia, a further location was opened in Malaysia, which strengthens the regional presence and improves proximity to customers.
The focus is increasingly shifting to the non-automotive sector, where FIBRO wants to show off its product portfolio more. The strategic product groups – cam units, gas springs, guide elements and punches – form the stable backbone of the business.
At the same time, the digital offering was further optimized. Sales in the eCommerce sector were already up on the previous year in October.
As of June 2025, LÄPPLE Aus- und Weiterbildung has a new managing director. In the future, Rasha Odeh will be responsible for the expansion and continuous development of the training offer, which is aimed at the internal development of skilled workers, offers for external companies as well as retraining and further education for private individuals. With modern learning formats and close links between industry and the region, the business unit remains an important part of the company.
Outlook for 2025: Staying the course in a still challenging environment
"The start of 2025 was subdued overall, but not without positive signals," says Stephan Itter. "It is important to continue to focus on the urgent solution of difficult structural conditions in Germany. Until this is achieved, we will work actively and disciplined to expand our stability."
While LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE is seeing the first signs of recovery in call-off figures after a weak start to the year, FIBRO has so far been able to achieve the planned level – in particular through targeted measures in sales.
In 2025, the Group is focusing on consistent process stabilization, increased efficiency and strategic growth – both through internationalization and through targeted new customer acquisition in existing markets. With a solid positioning and clear priorities, the LÄPPLE Group is cautiously optimistic about the rest of the year.