“Double-digit sales increases have helped us to strengthen our position as a creative mechatronics expert and partner to leading brands. Gaining more market share in Asia, Europe and America has been exceptionally encouraging”, says Dr Harald Marquardt, Chief Executive Officer of the Marquardt Group. “At the same time, we have taken critical steps to ensure continued success. We invested immensely in new products and solutions for a variety of markets and have created new jobs all over the world as a result. We are also constructing a second production plant in China and a new development and innovation center at our headquarters in Germany. Our growth strategy has well-prepared us for the future, and we expect to play a key role with our electro-mobility and smart-home solutions in these trends.” 

    Strong growth in battery management systems for electric vehicles 

    About 80 percent of Marquardt’s revenue came from the automotive sector, where the demand for high-quality electro-mechanical components continued to heighten. Among other products, the company supplied major car manufacturers with gear selector switches, remote key fobs, multi-function steering wheel switches, touchpads and driver authorization systems with top-level anti-theft protection. Marquardt also saw particularly high demand for battery management systems. These ensure that cells in electric cars are charged and discharged evenly, significantly increasing the vehicle’s range and battery life.

    Developments in the Switches, Sensors & Controls division were also very positive. While still remaining a top global supplier of electric power tool switches, the company also observed a positive response to its efficient dosing pumps for laundry machines and its exceptionally safe and reliable operating components for construction and agricultural machinery. The company also strengthened its position in the dynamically growing e-bike market with high-quality screens and a new integrated battery, giving manufacturers the highest possible degree of design freedom and flexibility.

    High levels of investments in production and research & development

    The Marquardt Group took a key strategic step in Asia last year, commencing construction for its second Chinese production plant, located in Weihai. The new facility will enhance the company’s proximity to customers and improve its ability to respond to the increasing demand for complex mechatronic system solutions. The family-run business also started another major project at its German headquarters in Rietheim-Weilheim: The company is investing over €30 million in a new development and innovation center, providing state-of-the-art facilities for more than 600 engineers and technicians. In additionally the firm invested nearly ten percent of its annual turnover in research & development efforts.   

    Many new jobs created – employer attractiveness continues to grow

    As of December 31, 2017, Marquardt Group employed over 10,000 people at its 19 locations around the world. This represents an increase of more than 1,000 over the previous year. The number of apprentices has also continued to grow. In Germany, 42 young people started their career path at Marquardt; more than ever before. The family-run business employs a total of 150 trainees in 20 different training arrangements across the globe. 

    Marquardt makes continuous efforts to improve its employer attractiveness for both existing and potential employees. Staff work in a mobile and international environment, and there are now more than one hundred different, individualized working time models in Germany alone to help achieve a better work-life balance. Benefits offered by the company include a comprehensive range of qualification and CPD courses at the Marquardt Academy, numerous health management options, and competitive wages. There are also opportunities to grow professionally and receive greater responsibilities within a short timeframe.

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