Koenig & Bauer adjusts its industrial positioning to meet tighter market conditions in terms of costs and volumes. The German manufacturer of printing presses, with sales of 1.3 billion euros, explains that it wants to "realigning priorities for the next decade" to cope with "volatile global economy" in line with the strategy pursued since 2021.
The Group is strengthening its position in software, AI and services, while adapting its offering to more cost-sensitive markets. It sums up this strategy under the acronym Impact for intelligence, market, people, adaptability, competitiveness and technology.
AI at the heart of internal tools and customer solutions
Artificial intelligence (AI) is presented as a cross-functional lever. Koenig & Bauer says it intends to "integrating artificial intelligence into our processes and products on a global scale" through its AI Empower program.
The aim is to increase the efficiency of its own operations through software, AI and automation, while creating digital ecosystems for its customers, such as myKyana.
"Koenig & Bauer is thus gradually transforming itself from a simple machine manufacturer into a complete technology provider, offering a unique solution combining hardware and AI-assisted process optimization."
Market: geographically targeted and mid-range offensive
Koenig & Bauer is also focusing on accelerating the deployment of its portfolio. The Group is targeting growth markets, particularly in Asia, India, the Middle East and Latin America
In addition, in order to gain market share in the mid-range segment, a segment characterized by high-volume, price-sensitive applications, the manufacturer intends to offer other versions of its products.
Investing in people and strengthening the a daptability
The German group, which employs 5,600 people, is also counting on its employees, announcing that it will be investing heavily in modern work tools and the qualification and ongoing training of its staff.
Koenig & Bauer is also developing its organization to make it more flexible. The group says it intends to move from "rigid capacity limits à "a more flexible model with a stabilized load base. This development is accompanied by greater use of local purchasing and assembly, in order to "reduce dependencies in the supply chain ".
In addition, service, which accounts for around 30% of the Group's sales, remains a lever of stability.
Working on competitiveness to counter cost pressures
In an environment marked by " cost pressure, new tariff barriers and intense competition", the manufacturer is also working on its manufacturing costs, make-or-buy trade-offs and global purchasing.
The CFO reminds us that "profitability is the assurance (of) future projects. (...) Our main objective remains medium-term planning. It is essential for us to grow and further increase our sales. The levers of our Impact strategy are applied precisely where we can maximize efficiency and profitability."
Technological development with a focus on digital technology, product control and protection
Technology, or rather innovation, is the final focus of the Impact plan. The development of digital printing systems continues, notably with RotaJet and VariJet.
At the same time, control and authentication systems are gaining in importance, with solutions from Koenig & Bauer Vision & Protection and the Auraveo packaging platform.
"Koenig & Bauer meets the growing needs of the global market for product protection, error prevention and direct communication with the end customer." not forgetting traditional offset printing.
