HIMA Group Wins Record Number of Incoming Orders in 2022
The HIMA Group completed another record year in 2022, seeing an 18% increase in incoming orders. The provider of safety-related automation solutions expects further growth in 2023 through digitalization, internationalization and expansion of partnerships
HIMA achieved the highest incoming order volume in its history in 2022 at EUR 155.8 million – 18% more than in the previous year. With sales of EUR 126.6 million HIMA nearly reached the 2021 level, the all-time-high to date.
"The HIMA Group had a great year in 2022. With the acquisition of Sella Controls, we have also embarked on a new chapter for international growth in the railway technology sector," CEO Jörg de la Motte points out.
Demand in HIMA's core markets had a positive trend overall. The breakdown of sales by region is as follows: Europe (59%), Middle East (12%), Asia (20%), Americas and cross-regional projects (9%). The order base also developed favorably, with the order backlog climbing by 38% compared to 2021.
"We managed fiscal year 2022 well despite many challenges, and we are also feeling positive about the first quarter of 2023 in view of our continued pleasing level of incoming orders," says CFO Dr. Michael Löbig referring to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, difficulties in the supply chain and the consequences of the Ukraine war.
The HIMA Group invested 12% of its sales in research and development in 2022 and has set itself the goal of digitalizing functional safety. The process industries (oil & gas, refineries and chemical industry) remain the largest customer group. The railway technology sector also showed a positive trend. Across all industries, 30% of sales were generated from services and software. "The positive customer feedback shows us that we have really nailed it with our digitalization strategy #safetygoesdigital," notes de la Motte.
In addition to further investments in R&D – especially for software and applications – HIMA's priorities in 2023 include internationalization and the expansion of partnerships. "The opening of the new HIMA Security Lab at our Customer Solutions Center marks another milestone," says de la Motte. "Working closely with our partner genua, we offer visitors the opportunity to experience our OT security solutions first hand" he adds. HIMA is also intensifying its cooperation with global partners for sales, engineering and joint solution development.
Internationalization remains a major element of the growth strategy. In addition to the acquisition of Sella Controls in February 2023, which expands HIMA's presence in the UK and extends its expertise and solutions portfolio in the railway sector, HIMA has most recently expanded its sales and service presence in France, opened a new regional headquarters in Dubai and established its own company in Argentina.
Dr. Löbig explains that “with these measures, we are further expanding our global sales and service presence and solidifying our claim to provide our customers with the best possible local support in the digitalization of functional safety."
Further regional expansions are planned with a focus on the target markets of the Middle East and Asia.
Other news from the department business & finance
Get the chemical industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the chemical industry, analytics, lab technology and process engineering brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
