- Core Air Technology business grows by double digits
- Total revenue increases despite strategic portfolio streamlining
- Data center business shows particularly dynamic growth
- Artificial intelligence shapes products, systems, and organization
- Targeted investments strengthen global footprint and innovation
- Positive outlook for fiscal year 2026/27
The ebm‑papst Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of fans and motors, made significant progress in its strategic realignment during fiscal year 2025/26 (April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026). Despite a continuing challenging geopolitical and economic environment, the family-owned company has successfully returned to a clear growth path – driven by its core business of Air Technology and Heating Technology, the rapidly expanding data center market, and the consistent use of artificial intelligence.
“Artificial intelligence is not a topic for the future at ebm‑papst—it is already reality and a key driver of our business today and tomorrow,” said CEO Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer at the annual press conference in Mulfingen. “It shapes how we develop products, how we improve energy efficiency, how we make systems more intelligent. It also drives how we evolve as an organization.”
Strong double-digit growth in core business as transformation delivers results
In the past fiscal year, the core business of Air Technology grew by around 12 percent. Overall group growth reached approximately six percent, impacted by the planned exit from Automotive (passenger cars) and Home Appliance (a commoditized product area), as well as the transfer of the Industrial Drive Technology segment to Siemens in July 2025.
“These figures clearly demonstrate that our strategic focus is paying off,” said Harald Klaiber, CFO and CTrO of the ebm‑papst Group. “We have deliberately streamlined our portfolio, creating the conditions to align even more closely with global megatrends. We are investing specifically in areas that enable long-term, profitable growth. The Group’s financial foundation is solid, giving us the flexibility to drive our next growth steps from a position of strength.”
Regional development: Strong growth in the Americas, solid momentum in Europe
Regional performance varied: The Americas recorded strong growth, making it the most dynamic region. Europe also saw solid overall growth. In Asia, growth continued at a strong pace despite significantly negative currency effects, underscoring the region’s positive market development. In contrast, the German market declined significantly, falling well below the previous year’s level. This was primarily due to continued investment restraint and uncertainty in the economic and energy policy environment.
Global presence as a strategic advantage: “Local-for-local” proves successful
The “local-for-local” strategy pursued for many years is increasingly proving to be a key success factor. It enables close customer proximity, resilient supply chains, and rapid implementation of regional market requirements. In fiscal year 2025/26, ebm‑papst continued to invest strategically in expanding its global footprint: With the opening of a new site in Romania, the company strengthens its European production network. At the same time, preparations are underway for the construction of a new plant in India. In the US, planning for the expansion of the Telford plant is also in progress. The expansion of regional Air Technology hubs, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, also brings ebm‑papst closer to key customers and markets. “We produce where our customers are—and where markets are growing,” said CEO Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer.
Data center boom and AI drive demand for efficient Air Technology
The data center business has been and continues to be a major growth driver. The global expansion of digital infrastructure and rapid progress in artificial intelligence are leading to a sharp increase in demand for highly efficient, reliable, and scalable cooling solutions. “Without innovative air technology, the further development of AI worldwide will reach physical limits,” emphasized Jens Löffler, CTO of the ebm‑papst Group. “Our solutions make it possible to significantly reduce energy consumption in data centers, and this is where enormous market potential lies.”
In addition to new fan and pump solutions specifically designed for data centers, the digital ecosystem NEXAIRA is becoming increasingly important. AI-based algorithms enable demand-driven control, predictive maintenance, and significant reductions in energy consumption, both in new buildings and existing facilities.
In this way, ebm‑papst combines physical products with digital applications to create intelligent systems while unlocking new data-driven services for its customers.
Artificial intelligence as a strategic driver for innovation and organization
ebm‑papst takes a holistic approach to artificial intelligence. Beyond products and system solutions, AI is increasingly shaping processes, collaboration, and organizational development.
“Our goal is clear: artificial intelligence should support people at ebm papst—not replace them,” said CEO Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer. “We are investing specifically in training and new skills, creating space for innovation, creativity, and strategic work.”
During the past fiscal year, more than 1,500 employees were trained in AI related skills through company-wide programs as well as participation in the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) in Heilbronn.
At the same time, ebm‑papst is expanding its collaboration with start-ups, technology partners, and networks such as Next Level Mittelstand, strengthening its role within a growing AI ecosystem. In doing so, the company combines technological innovation with the targeted development of its employees, thereby laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
Workforce: Targeted adjustments and expansion in growth markets
As of March 2026, the total global workforce stood at 13,055 employees worldwide, including 641 employees transferred to Siemens as part of the industrial drive technology transition, remaining stable at the previous year’s level.
Changes are primarily driven by the strategic portfolio realignment: Employees from the discontinued automotive (passenger cars) and home appliance (a commoditized product area) segments were largely integrated into the growing core of Air Technology business.
At the same time, ebm‑papst is selectively expanding capacities in key growth markets such as the United States and India, particularly in development, digitalization, and production.
“Transformation also means rethinking tasks and skills,” said CFO and CTrO Harald Klaiber. “At our core, we are and remain a manufacturing company, and we will continue to rely on dedicated, highly skilled people across all areas.”
High investment levels in innovation, locations, and sustainability
Spending on research and development remained at a high level, exceeding €140 million. Investments in global locations, digitalization, and new technologies were also in line with the previous year.
The ESG strategy remains a key pillar of the company. AI-supported solutions not only help customers reduce energy consumption and emissions but also support ebm-papst in advancing its own climate targets in line with SBTi. Topics such as the circular economy and collaboration with partners like Circular Republic were further advanced during the fiscal year.
Outlook: Focus, innovation, and AI drive further growth
ebm-papst is optimistic about the upcoming fiscal year. Based on its consistent strategic realignment, strong order intake, and structural growth drivers, the company expects revenue growth of over 10 percent in continuing operations for fiscal year 2026/27.
Key growth drivers remain in air technology, data center applications, and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into products and systems. “We have corrected our course, sharpened our focus, and delivered,” summarized CEO Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer. “Today, we are back in the market with full strength. Artificial intelligence is not an end in itself; it is the key to sustainably scaling our core business. Our strategy is clearly taking effect. We have successfully set the course—now it’s about leveraging this momentum and consistently expanding our global market leadership.”
In the medium to long term, ebm-papst expects to grow significantly faster than the market and is actively evaluating how to further strengthen its strategic position.
ebm‑papst Group at a glance
(Fiscal year April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026)
Total sales: 2.236 billion euros
Core Air Technology growth: ~ +12%
Group growth: ~ +6%
R&D expenses: 142.7 million euros
Investments: 110.4 million euros
Employees worldwide: 13,055