International markets stabilize business
STOBER is preparing for an upturn
The mechanical and plant engineering industry is currently going through one of its most difficult phases in recent decades. Nevertheless, STOBER is cautiously optimistic about the future. Thanks to consistent internationalization, stable foreign markets and continuous innovation, this drive specialist is well prepared for the expected upturn – especially in the growth sectors of automation and robotics.
Pforzheim, 02/05/2026 – “The mechanical engineering industry is currently experiencing its longest crisis in 50 years. The causes are structural and geopolitical,” explains Rainer Wegener, Managing Director of STOBER. “That makes the right strategic positioning all the more important.” While business in Germany remains sluggish, STOBER recorded slight growth overall for 2025 – primarily due to strong international markets. In the US, the company achieved a new record in sales despite current tariff policies, and business is also growing in the UK. In China, the market is stable, particularly for demanding precision applications.
The industry is expecting continuous growth in the coming years, particularly in automation and robotics. Studies forecast annual growth rates of around five percent. “The demands on machines are constantly increasing, as processes have to become faster, more precise and more efficient,” says Wegener. “With our system approach, made up of a drive controller, gearbox, motor, cable and gear rack, we are ideally positioned for this.”
Despite the tense market situation, STOBER has had consistent success in retaining its workforce. “Our employees are our most important resource,” emphasizes the Managing Director. “We have already gotten through similar phases together in previous crises and want to be prepared for the next upturn with well-trained staff.”
At the same time, STOBER is pushing ahead with the expansion of its international organization. A global leadership team, consisting of the management level of the production sites in Germany, the US and Hungary, coordinates strategic decisions and aligns the production landscape globally. The aim is to expand the scope for action, react more quickly to market impulses and make supply chains permanently resilient. A noticeable market recovery is expected over the course of the year and should gain momentum, especially in the second half of the year. “Positive signals are currently coming from Europe in particular – for example from Italy, France and England. The growth trend is also continuing in the US,” explains Wegener. “In Germany, we see an investment backlog that should be resolved as soon as the framework conditions are clearer.”
Rainer Wegener, Managing Director of STOBER: “Our system approach puts us in an ideal position.”
Photo credits: STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG
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STOBER develops and produces precise, highly efficient drive components and systems, including gearboxes, motors, gear racks and drive controllers for custom solutions. They are used in various industries, including automation and robotics, as well as the plastics, packaging and machine tool industries. STOBER has 14 locations and 80 service partners in over 40 countries. In addition to its headquarters in Pforzheim, Germany, there are also production facilities in Hungary and the US. The family-owned company currently employs around 1,000 people worldwide.
Contact data for country-specific publication:
| Germany: | Austria: |
| STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG Kieselbronner Str. 12 75177 Pforzheim Phone: +49 7231 582-0 sales@stoeber.de www.stober.com | STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH Hauptstraße 41a 4663 Laakirchen Phone: +43 7613 7600-0 sales@stoeber.at www.stoeber.at |
| Switzerland: | |
| STÖBER Schweiz AG Rugghölzli 2 5453 Remetschwil Phone: +41 56 496 9650 sales@stoeber.ch www.stober.ch |
Press contact:
STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG
Silvia Feder│Head of Marketing
Kieselbronner Str. 12
75177 Pforzheim│Deutschland
Phone: +49 7231 582-1660
silvia.feder@stoeber.de
www.stoeber.de
Media:
STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG
Solveig Moll
Kieselbronner Str. 12
Phone: +49 7231 582-1183
solveig.moll@stoeber.de
www.stoeber.de
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