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| Sennheiser Group Increases Sales Revenue by 24 Per Cent |
| 13.06.2001 Wedemark, Germany |
June 13, 2001 – 2000 was a very good year for the Sennheiser Group, based in Germany.
Compared to the 1999 figures, the consolidated turnover increased by 24 per cent to reach DM 396 million, with profits almost doubling.
Within the Sennheiser Group, new products and successful marketing have lead to a substantial increase in sales, with 80 per cent of the turnover being achieved outside Germany. “In 2000 we solidified Sennheiser’s market
position in all business areas worldwide, and even considerably expanded activities in some areas,” said Rolf Meyer, President of Marketing and Sales, at a press conference on the occasion of the presentation of the group’s
annual financials. “Sennheiser has especially strengthened its leading role as a solution provider for professional users of electro-acoustic systems.”
Turnover Development per Geographical Markets
The exceptional growth acknowledges Sennheiser as a leading supplier of electro-acoustic systems and solutions
on the world market. Sennheiser’s largest market, Western & Southern Europe and Africa, saw an increase of 21
per cent, attaining a turnover of DM 115 million. With DM 104 million, the turnover for 2000 in America rose by 28
per cent compared to the previous year. “The 1999 investments in a new production facility in Albuquerque, New
Mexico, and an R&D office in California have proved right,” commented Meyer. The investments in the US ensure
a close contact with the market and excellent logistics.
In Central Europe, turnover increased by 25 per cent, attaining DM 91 million. Rising by 17 per cent and reaching
DM 55 million, sales in Northern and Eastern Europe were more than satisfactory.
The Asian and Australian markets saw a rapid growth, with Sennheiser being able to achieve an increase of 40 per cent to DM 32 million. “Our consistency and dependability has won us the trust of many customers, especially
in Asia. We were thus able to considerably strengthen our market position,” explained Rolf Meyer.
The Future Will Be Wireless
The positive trend is above all based on the very good sales achieved with wireless microphones, which had a 30 per cent share in the turnover. “The launch of the “evolution wireless” microphone series in 1999 was very well
received in the market, and the success continued in 2000. This is reflected by a still increasing demand for evolution wireless products,” explains
Dr. Heinrich Esser, President of Manufacturing. In the first and second
quarter of 2000, demand exceeded available quantities. “The shortage of chip components on the world market
led to production bottlenecks at Sennheiser. However, the situation improved towards the end of the year.”
According to an official survey (GFK, Nuremberg) Sennheiser is market leader in Germany for headphones. This
product group had a 16 per cent share in the turnover, and also showed a clear trend towards cordless systems.
Sennheiser’s tried and tested wired microphones achieved 14 per cent, conference and information technology 9
per cent.
Research for a Promising Future
Last financial year Sennheiser spent DM 19 million for research and development, that is 5 per cent of the total
turnover. The current R&D emphasis is on RF wireless technology. “The further development of audio and electronics technologies creates innovative products which help Sennheiser solidify its position as a global
player,” said Volker Bartels, President of Research and Development.
Increase in Turnover Creates Jobs
In 2000 the Sennheiser Group employed about 1,300 of staff, among them 30 apprentices in various areas. 61 per cent of the employees work at the German locations Burgdorf, Wennebostel and Berlin. In the past year, around
100 new jobs were created in Germany alone. There are about 40 vacancies, most of them in Research and Development.
“The situation on the labor market is characterized by a lac
k of qualified engineers,” said Bartels. “Sennheiser is a very innovative company that is active worldwide – we offer an attractive working environment with a promising
future for a new generation of engineers.”
Investments
The investments in buildings and equipment amounted to DM 17.6 million; DM 1.2 million were spent for intangible assets such as industrial property rights, patents and licences.
For further information please contact:
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
Public Relations • Edelgard Marquardt
Am Labor 1 • 30900 Wedemark • Germany
Tel.: +49 (5130) 600-329
Fax: +49 (5130) 600-295
e-Mail: marquare@sennheiser.com
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