German manufacturer Lemken has reported a 22% increase in sales for the past business year, despite facing COVID-19 restrictions. With a sales volume of €446 million, the latest figures are a new high for the 242-year-old family business. According to the company incoming orders have exceeded expectations.
Lemken says production was optimally maintained throughout the year. Additionally it reports an increase of staff, with a total of 1,697 employees at present. As the manufacturer had discontinued its field sprayer segment, it adds that strong sales in seed drills had made up for losses in that sector of the business. Its export share has also increased to 81% with almost all international markets having developed well. Growth in the export share were seen in the countries of Canada, Oceania, the US and South Africa.
The recent projects added to the manufacturer’s sights of development have also attributed to the spike in sales, with its recent announcement of its partnership Krone. The two have partnered-up to bring to the market an autonomous tractor, which will bring a new technological aspect to the market. The difference in approach towards digital technology appears to be emerging in the market.
In yet another first for the manufacturer, an additional project saw the investment of €18 million to build a new factory for its Steketee subsidiary in the south of The Netherlands. The facility is scheduled to open its doors at the end of 2023 and will employ at least another 30 members of staff.