Häfele has once again demonstrated this positive attitude in 2023. A cyberattack within our own organisation as well as market cooling in all sales regions have led to 2023 being one of the most challenging years in the company's history. As of December 31, 2023, the Häfele Group, with branches in 38 countries, reported a turnover of 1.71 billion euros - a decrease of 8.2% compared to the previous year.
The cyberattack at the beginning of the year could have dampened entrepreneurial optimism. However, the family business did not miss the opportunity to celebrate the anniversary year – 100 years of Häfele – in a fitting manner. Thus, 2023, with its ceremonies, was characterised by the dynamic start of a new century of business: a retrospective of the inspiring success story and the successful handover from Sibylle Thierer, after 20 years at the helm of the company, to Gregor Riekena.
As part of the handover, Häfele presented at the leading interzum trade fair in Cologne the industry's new motto: "Maximising the value of space. Together". It reflects the company's strategic direction, serving a wide range of customers. CEO Gregor Riekena: 'We received a lot of support from our partners. Essentially, we articulate our entrepreneurial drive to make the living and working spaces of our time more functional, atmospheric, efficient, and overall more valuable in the future. This is what we want to achieve together with customers and suppliers because in a complex world, it's about bringing forces together and overcoming challenges together.'
The Service+ service portfolio, introduced in 2022, was expanded last year to ensure more intensive collaboration. In the field of smart room solutions, Häfele now offers its customers a unique, comprehensive, and worry-free package for networking and controlling furniture and room lighting, making it very easy for the woodworking industry to holistically plan good light for the kitchen, living room, and micro-living.
The further development of services is not only encouraged in Germany. For example, Häfele Australia is opening a Service+ "factory" this year, where customised solutions such as assembly and cutting services, the construction of exhibitions for customer exhibitions, and many value-added services are bundled under one roof. 'Examples like this show that Häfele companies and regions benefit from centrally developed innovations, but at the same time inspire each other, thus helping to advance the group as a whole,' says Riekena.
More information:
Häfele
www.haefele.de