Like most companies, Schmalz had to navigate through difficulties at the beginning of the Corona pandemic. It succeeded well, as Dr Kurt Schmalz, managing partner J. Schmalz GmbH, was able to explain during a press conference on 19 May. The growth markets of China and the USA stuttered additionally due to the trade dispute, while the rest of Europe recorded good growth. Despite temporary short-time work at the Glatten site, Schmalz was able to remain fully capable of delivering throughout the pandemic. Schmalz has already been experiencing a strong upswing since autumn 2020. Both in Germany and in the export markets, incoming orders are developing positively. In particular, the trends of digitalisation and robotics are continuing very successfully.

Schmalz now expects a further growth trend in all relevant markets. Therefore, the company is also planning some major investments. The two largest in the USA and in China:

– In Raleigh, USA, production and logistics are to be more than doubled by 5,110 square metres. The project is to be completed this year.

– In Taicang, China, Schmalz wants to complete a new building on a greenfield site, also this year. This location is to comprise 7,600 square metres of floor space.

“More e-commerce also means more handling in logistics,” says Dr Schmalz about the company’s continuing success.