Focus on the essentials: LÄPPLE Group strengthens its core areas in a challenging environment

The main reasons for this were a decline in investment behavior in the market, ongoing uncertainties in the automotive industry and the sale of the FIBRO Rotary Tables and FLT Automation business units. Despite this environment, the Group succeeded in making targeted investments in topics relevant to the future, further developing its processes and strengthening the performance of its core areas.

“In 2024, we deliberately focused on what makes the LÄPPLE Group strong - robust processes, clear structures and customer orientation in our core businesses,” says Stephan Itter, CEO of the LÄPPLE Group. “We have made important decisions, invested strategically, opened up new markets and significantly developed our system landscape - all while continuing to operate and under challenging market conditions.”

Strategic focus areas 2024: digitalization, process efficiency and internationalization

A central focus last year was on modernizing the internal system landscape. Digital processes were redesigned in various areas, existing structures were streamlined and data flows were standardized. One example of this is the successful introduction of the new SAP S/4HANA ERP system at LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE.

Targeted improvements were also implemented in the areas of data analysis, digital customer communication and product data management, which are now gradually being incorporated into day-to-day operations. The aim is to systematically make the Group more robust, efficient and responsive.

At the same time, the digitalization and AI strategy was further developed - with initial applications in production and administration as well as a close connection to the regional innovation ecosystem around the Heilbronn headquarters.

The LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE Division continued to be affected by fluctuations in the automotive market in 2024. In the second half of the year in particular, uncalled production volumes led to temporary underutilization. However, the broad customer and model base as well as short-term project inquiries helped to avoid major gaps.
The opening of the new site in Detroit (USA) was an important step. Existing projects were successfully transferred there. Following a good ramp-up of production, a further series order from a new customer in the field of e-mobility has since been acquired. In addition, the Teublitz site in particular worked intensively on increasing performance and expanding activities in the spare parts business.

With the presentation of the new Strategy 2030 in April 2024, the FIBRO Standard Parts division has clearly focused on its growth areas. The adopted glocalization strategy makes it possible to serve customers worldwide in an even more demand-oriented manner while simultaneously increasing structural efficiency. Growth potential is seen in the USA and Asia in particular, while there is a noticeable reluctance to invest in Europe. In order to exploit the opportunities in Asia in a more targeted manner, an additional location was opened in Malaysia, which strengthens the regional presence and improves proximity to customers.

The focus is increasingly shifting to the non-automotive sector, where FIBRO wants to make more use of its product portfolio. The strategic product groups - sliders, gas springs, guide units and cutting punches - form the stable backbone of the business.

At the same time, the digital offering was further optimized. Sales in the eCommerce segment were already up on the previous year in October.

As of June 2025, LÄPPLE Aus- und Weiterbildung has a new Managing Director. In future, Rasha Odeh will be responsible for the expansion and continuous development of the training program, which is aimed at both internal specialist development and offers for external companies as well as retraining and further training for private individuals. With modern learning formats and close links to industry and the region, LÄPPLE training and further education will remain an important part of the company.

Outlook for 2025: Staying on course in an environment that remains challenging

“The start to 2025 was generally subdued, but not without positive signals,” says Stephan Itter. "A continued focus on the urgent resolution of difficult structural conditions in Germany is important. Until this is achieved, we will continue to work actively and with discipline to expand our stability."

While LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE is seeing the first signs of recovery in call-off figures after a weak start to the year, FIBRO has so far been able to achieve the planned level - particularly thanks to targeted measures in sales.

In 2025, the Group is focusing on consistent process stabilization, increased efficiency and strategic growth - both through internationalization and targeted customer acquisition in existing markets. With a solid position and clear priorities, the LÄPPLE Group is cautiously optimistic about the rest of the year.