Stable through turbulent times

Schlegel takes stock of 2025 at the end of the year

Despite a challenging economic environment, the Dürmentingen-based electrical engineering company, Georg Schlegel, is looking ahead with confidence. At the end of the financial year, Managing Director Christoph Schlegel addressed the workforce and took stock of 2025. According to Schlegel, the family-owned company has demonstrated that it can remain stable even in turbulent times, while also consistently working on its further development and fostering cohesion within the company.

“2025 was no easy year,” Schlegel made clear at the celebration in Bad Buchau. It was marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and a persistently sluggish economy. The company had to respond with short-time working in certain areas, even though sales had developed positively again in 2025. Compared to other companies in the industry, Schlegel performed better than many other electrical automation suppliers. Initial signs for the beginning of the new year also give cause for cautious optimism.

During his speech, the managing director also discussed the company's beginnings, as it was founded by his grandfather in 1945. “How did he fare 80 years ago after losing the war? He still had the courage to start his small company,” said Schlegel. Our situation is much better, which is why Schlegel called for more confidence, realism and composure in 2026. Schlegel feels well prepared for the future.

One of the company's key strengths is its high level of production depth, with most of the value creation taking place on site, from development and toolmaking to injection moulding, assembly and sales. This is complemented by a broad product portfolio and customer-specific solutions. According to Schlegel, the broad positioning across different industries and the international orientation have a stabilising effect comparable to that of a well-diversified portfolio.

Another clear feature of the company's profile is its design standards. At Schlegel, functionality and design have always gone hand in hand. These standards are regularly confirmed by prestigious awards. In 2025, the electrical engineering specialist received two renowned design awards for its innovative Flexitast display button: the Red Dot Award and the Focus Open in Gold.

To remain competitive in the future, Schlegel is developing new innovations, digital solutions and more efficient processes. An important component of this is automation, which is employed where it makes economically sense. In addition, new planning tools are ensuring greater transparency and more efficient production processes. The new idea management system complements this approach, enabling employees to submit suggestions for improving processes or facilitating everyday collaboration.

However, according to the management, the most important factor for success remains the workforce. Commitment, experience and a sense of responsibility form the foundation of the company. The management emphasised the culture of good cooperation, which is consciously cultivated at Schlegel. Joint events such as summer parties or Christmas celebrations, health initiatives and additional benefits such as free company health insurance all contribute to this corporate culture. The aim is to continue being a reliable and attractive employer in the region.

The company is starting the new year with a realistic outlook, confidence, and a determination to overcome challenges together. “Not everything will be easy,” said Schlegel, “but we are well positioned, and we will shape the future together.”