Heroldsberg (dpa / lby) – The Franconian family company Schwan-Stabilo, known for its pens and outdoor brands, is preparing for uncertain times after strong growth. The development in the current financial year is difficult to assess, said company boss Sebastian Schwanhäußer. “We got off to a good start and are now feeling a clear sense of uncertainty among consumers – especially in Europe.” On the other hand, he sees a better mood on the market in the USA and Asia, where energy prices are lower.
Despite the effects of the Ukraine war and the corona pandemic, the Heroldsberg-based group of companies was able to grow strongly in the past 2021/2022 financial year. Sales increased by around 20 percent to 745.3 million euros, she announced on Friday. This is an extraordinary increase given the shortage of raw materials, bottlenecks in energy supply, supply chain problems and an increased inflation rate. Schwan-Stabilo generally does not provide information on the result. According to the company, the group employs more than 5,000 people at 32 locations worldwide.
The cosmetics sector achieved the strongest growth with 37 percent, followed by the outdoor segment (16.4 percent) with the brands Deuter (backpacks), Ortovox (including ski touring), Maier Sports (ski clothing) and Gonso (cycling). In the pen segment, which includes the Stabilo Boss highlighters, for example, sales increased by 3.1 percent. The company explained that consumer restraint was noticeable in Europe after a strong first half of the year. In Asia, on the other hand, sales increased in double digits.
