ENGEL states it remains the strongest European supplier in a dynamic injection moulding market while navigating one of the most challenging phases since its founding 80 years ago. Rising uncertainty in key sales regions, structural shifts in the customer base and intensifying competitive pressure are reshaping the environment. In response, the machine manufacturer is pursuing global customer proximity and a consistent innovation agenda to unlock new potential and sustain competitiveness across markets.
The company underscores responsibility, innovation strength and closeness to customers as guiding principles for its current positioning. According to Stefan Engleder, CEO of the ENGEL Group, the industry is tackling major tasks, from digitalisation and skills shortages to the circular economy. “We focus on well-thought-out innovations with real customer benefits, and on partnerships at eye level,” he says. Looking ahead to K, described as the world’s largest trade fair for plastics solutions, Engleder notes that ENGEL will present concrete solutions to real market requirements. “For us, K is more than a product stage,” he emphasizes. “It is a place for genuine dialogue, feedback and new perspectives. Our customers should feel that we are listening, investing and thinking ahead together.”
ENGEL reported turnover of 1.5 billion euros in financial year 2024/25. For the current year, the company expects turnover to decline by around seven percent to 1.4 billion euros, reflecting broader economic slowdowns in several regions and a more selective investment climate across multiple end markets.
Regional outlook
Europe and Middle East
Investment appetite in Europe remains subdued. In German-speaking countries in particular, high labour costs, political uncertainty and cautious subsidy programmes are dampening market development. Italy contrasts with targeted incentives that stimulate investment. Demand is gravitating to solutions that deliver short-term efficiency gains, while medium and long-term projects are launched less frequently. In the Middle East and parts of Africa, conditions are stable. While international corporations are cautious, population growth and industrialisation sustain constant demand. Engel reports market share gains in medical technology and packaging. A combination of all-electric machine platforms, globally available service and local expertise provides strategic advantages in the region, with a focus on scalable, high-availability turnkey solutions for standard applications.
Americas
Investment momentum in North America remains restrained. Political uncertainties and volatile tariffs are prompting many companies to postpone larger projects. Planning is particularly challenging in automotive, where the development of new e-mobility platforms is progressing more slowly than expected. Medical technology is normalising after the pandemic-driven peak. In packaging, everyday applications remain stable, while emerging regulations increasingly influence material choices and product design. In Mexico, many customers are operating below capacity and are adopting flexible production models such as outsourcing or leasing. At the same time, technical moulding applications are gaining importance, particularly for export markets in Central and South America. In Brazil, overall conditions are stable with selective growth impulses, including standard applications in automotive, packaging and consumer goods. Digital solutions are moving to the forefront in response to structural skills bottlenecks.
Asia
Overall development in Asia is stable. Unit sales are on plan, but stronger price pressure and demand for cost-optimised solutions are lowering average revenue. The Wintec portfolio is gaining importance, driven by short delivery times and economically scalable turnkey systems. New logistics applications are seeing increased interest. Medical technology and packaging are slightly below plan but show a positive trend. Uncertainties around tariffs and supply chains are delaying investments in some areas, while Chinese outward investment is becoming a growth driver. ENGEL is responding with a flexible production network, building systems where it is most cost-effective. Growth continues in Southeast Asia, while Oceania faces increasing competition from China. With almost 40 years of sales activity and over 25 years of local production, ENGEL highlights deep roots in Asia as a basis for trust in demanding applications.
Industry perspective
Medical technology remains a stable growth driver, with strong demand for highly automated and all-electric solutions, particularly for complex drug delivery systems. ENGEL offers turnkey systems that combine high process reliability and efficiency. In packaging technology, a challenging environment is dampening large investments, while demand for standard applications and solutions with recycled materials remains stable. The forthcoming EU PPWR regulation is adding momentum to material and design decisions.
In automotive, the situation remains tense. Investment is selective and often tied to new lightweight concepts, battery applications or glazing. Many customers are prioritising retrofits and machine relocations over new purchases. Growth opportunities emerge where functionally integrated plastic components are applied, for example smart front and rear modules. ENGEL leverages technological expertise, local presence and a broad portfolio, ranging from premium solutions to competitive alternatives such as Wintec.
In technical moulding, developments vary. Rising energy and labour costs are hampering investment, although first impulses are coming from construction. The market demands integrated, automated solutions that maximise availability. ENGEL is responding with new two-platen machines and all-electric systems engineered for efficiency and reliability.
After-sales business is developing above average. An installed base of over 125,000 machines worldwide ensures continuous capacity utilisation for retrofit, refurbishment and relocation projects. The company focuses on digitalisation, availability and fast response times to support customers throughout the entire life cycle of their machines.
Customer value and two-brand strategy
Despite the tense market situation, ENGEL reiterates its customer proximity. “For us, it’s about value before volume,” says CEO Dr Stefan Engleder. “We strengthen our position through genuine customer value, not through above-average volume.” The company underlines its global presence, consistent innovation focus and two-brand strategy with ENGEL and Wintec. “Every crisis is an opportunity to position ourselves more clearly, by truly listening to our customers and delivering solutions that provide real benefits,” Engleder concludes.
Stefan Engleder, CEO Engel Group
