More automation and leaner processes

“We were not satisfied with our operational performance in the 2025 fiscal year. The market environment remained difficult,” says CEO Philipp Ebbinghaus. “However, instead of complaining about the challenging conditions, we want to look ahead. That’s why we are consistently working on our strategic initiatives in Schwarzenbach and Perry”. Some of the key areas mentioned by the CEO include improvements in production efficiency and leaner administrative processes. “We were once again able to turn our financial stability into a catalyst for shaping the future through substantial investments,” adds Philipp Ebbinghaus.

Over EUR 30 million invested in Schwarzenbach in 2025

The high investment amount of over EUR 30 million in 2025, especially in Schwarzenbach, is evidence of our success in this regard. For example, the company automated the material flow between two factory buildings at the site and invested in a high-tech production line. “The new 150-meter-long connecting bridge is just one element of our comprehensive automation initiative,” says Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck (CCO). “The investment in the new production line will provide additional capacity as soon as the market picks up again.” In addition, funds were invested in the further development of the IT system landscape and in customer management.

“All these investments are now having an effect on our costs. However, they will significantly strengthen us in the medium term,” says Philipp Ebbinghaus. “Therefore, we will once again invest a double-digit million EUR amount in Schwarzenbach in 2026. The focus will be on logistics and production, as well as additional PV systems and the planned battery storage system. However, we won’t know until the end of 2026 whether it will be economically viable to contract a third party to install our own wind turbines.”

Philipp Ebbinghaus pointed out that the considerable scope for action is an advantage that has been diligently earned through the forward-looking approach of previous generations. The entire management team will remain committed to this guiding principle, as well as to its goal of driving innovations. In 2025, Sandler AG acquired a stake in Phoenix Non Woven GmbH & Co. KG, thus gaining access to sophisticated technologies that open up new markets and applications such as thermal insulation, new drive technologies, hydrogen, and battery cells.