KNAPP Stable in Tough Market

Following strong years of growth, the KNAPP AG has once again achieved solid results in fiscal year 2023/2024. Despite difficult economic conditions worldwide, the order books were well-filled and the company continued to invest in infrastructure and technologies. 

On March 31, 2024, the group reported a turnover of 1.8 billion euros (compared to 1.96 billion euros in the previous year). As businesses deal with current challenges such as geopolitical uncertainty, inflation and labour shortages, reliable partnerships and comprehensive system solutions are more important than ever. KNAPP CEO Gerald Hofer explains: “As a group, we combine industry expertise with world-class technology to create intelligent system solutions. This combination is the essence of a resilient supply chain and is essential for success.” Expertise, in turn, is the basis for trust, which is seen in projects with long-term renowned customers such as the Würth Group, the online retailer Zalando and the US supermarket chain Kroger. Along with the construction of new systems, retrofit programmes for existing systems play a major role while making an important contribution to sustainability. Due to the low availability and high cost of land, many companies are choosing to modernise existing locations rather than open new ones. At the same time, continuously expanding their international network – particularly with regards to service and lifetime support – underlines KNAPP’s commitment to putting customer needs at the centre of everything they do. “Our customers can be assured that we will be looking after their systems for a long time,” says Gerald Hofer.

Growth in Europe, Latin America and Australia

In an international market characterised by stiff competition, the KNAPP group was able to achieve an order intake of 2.12 billion euros. The profit or loss on ordinary activities amounted to 161 million euros (previous year: 173 million euros).

In Europe, the group had high order intake in all of their core business areas, with the fashion sector providing one of this year’s highlights. The international fashion retailer Bestseller invested in a cutting-edge logistics centre with a comprehensive automation solution by KNAPP. Growth also held steady in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region, where Brazil’s largest fashion and lifestyle brands, including C&A and Lojas Renner, chose to collaborate with KNAPP. KNAPP is also proud to report growth in Australia, where customers such as the supermarket chain Woolworths and the Super Retail Group made a significant contribution to the overall turnover.

Intelligently integrated innovations

With their innovative solutions, the company is shaping the future of intralogistics. KNAPP COO Franz Mathi agrees: “In my opinion, it’s not about having a one-size-fits-all recipe, but rather a wide range of technological ingredients that can be prepared to solve whatever challenge we are currently facing.” Intelligent integration forms an important basis for mastering the complex challenges of today and for making the most of everything an automated system has to offer. KNAPP achieves this in food retail, for example, by using their RUNPICK system to significantly increase the efficiency of shop delivery. Innovative advances in storage systems also play a significant role, as demonstrated by the first shuttle system for frozen goodsin food retail. Another milestone for KNAPP was the use of the AutoPocket pocket sorter system for the Lithuanian pharmaceutical wholesaler Limedika. Before this project, AutoPocket had only been utilised in fashion and retail. The new system at Limedika was a first for the pharma sector and allows for the efficient multi-channel distribution of pharmaceutical products. “Our approach of thinking in complete solutions and processes creates real added value for companies and for society,” summarises Franz Mathi.

A stable partner for all stakeholders

With the unpredictable dynamics many sectors are facing, stability is becoming even more important for securing success. “The basis for growth is always a stable foundation,” agrees KNAPP CFO Christian Grabner.

KNAPP also strives to be a reliable partner for their employees. The need for specialised personnel has been high for years due to the group’s ongoing growth. At the end of March 2024, the KNAPP group had 7,705 employees worldwide, 4,122 of whom worked in Austria. As international recruiting becomes more important, KNAPP is also participating in local initiatives and investing in continuous training and continuing education. “This sets us apart from the rest and allows us to maintain our standard of outstanding performance – one that we have set for ourselves, and one that benefits our customers,” concludes Christian Grabner.

*Business year April 1 to March 31