Despite a still challenging market environment, GROB is very satisfied with the order intake for the 2025/26 financial year. The current corporate development focuses on technological advancements, new machine concepts, and the exploration of additional markets. At the same time, GROB continues its long-term strategy to strategically expand its portfolio in the areas of CNC machining, automation, and new manufacturing technologies.
Stable order intake despite partially postponed investment decisions
In the 2025/26 financial year, the GROB Group achieved an order intake of 1.6 billion euros, thus meeting its internal targets. At the same time, there is an increasing reluctance to make investment decisions in many markets. In the past financial year, several customer proposals and project decisions were postponed to the coming year. Regionally, the order intake continues to be distributed across the three core markets of America, Europe, and Asia, with the exact shares as follows: Europe including Germany with 658 million euros, America with 734 million euros, and Asia with 267 million euros. The orders are accordingly distributed across the following production mix: 22.1% universal machines, 33% machining (CNC machines for OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers), 32.6% e-mobility, and 12.3% after sales.
A particularly stable area this year was the business segment of universal machines. Despite the difficult market conditions, a better result than in the previous year was achieved here. GROB recorded an order intake of 278.6 million euros in the 2024/25 financial year. In the 2025/26 financial year, this increased to 340.2 million euros - a growth of +22%. For GROB, this is a special success story, as the universal machine market worldwide has seen a significant decline in order intake. Many competitors experienced a lack of orders in this segment or saw a significant decline. The Bavarian machine manufacturer, on the other hand, managed to achieve stable sales despite adverse market conditions.
The company cites the continuing high demand for flexible 5-axis machining solutions as the main reason. 'The ongoing global demand for flexible 5-axis machining solutions and strong demand from the aerospace industry currently compensate for weaker segments, especially in the automotive sector,' explains Christian Müller, CSO of GROB-WERKE.
Between global challenges and new market opportunities
Worldwide, the company is still confronted with a number of challenges that could impact order intake. Key influencing factors include increasing global price pressure, structural changes within the automotive industry, and ongoing consolidation processes in various industries. At the same time, there are also positive signals from individual markets: the aerospace sector, in particular, continues to develop dynamically and shows stable growth. Further growth is also expected in the universal machine business.
However, there are several uncertainties. Competition, especially from providers in Asia, is noticeably increasing. Additionally, economic and political frameworks such as trends towards deindustrialization in some regions, tariff and customs policy challenges, and an overall tense economic situation contribute to a challenging market environment. The still cautious development of electromobility and geopolitical tensions - particularly in the context of important markets like China and India - also contribute to a demanding market environment.
Despite all these challenges, GROB expects an order intake of 1.7 billion euros for the 2026/27 financial year. GROB anticipates that this will be distributed across the various product areas as follows: universal and system machines 42%, e-mobility 45%, and after sales 13%.
New machine concepts for exploring additional business fields
A focus of the strategic development is on expanding the product portfolio. In 2026, GROB will introduce several new machine concepts specifically designed for processing new workpiece types.
This includes, among other things, the portal series, which is particularly suitable for applications in energy technology, tool and mold making, and other demanding industries. The GP1350 is designed for a wide range of manufacturing tasks required by industrial companies today: large components, complex geometries, and the highest precision. The machine impresses with generous working ranges in the X, Y, and Z axes of 1,400 / 1,950 / 1,100 millimeters, which can effortlessly accommodate even large workpieces. Components with a maximum diameter of 1,400 x 1,100 / 1,750 x 1,600 millimeters can be reliably processed, while the machine can be loaded with a payload of up to 3.6 tons. The tool magazine is designed for a capacity of up to 408 tools and allows for ergonomic and efficient setup of multiple tools simultaneously thanks to double row occupancy. With the possibility of integrating pallet changers, pallet storage systems, and autonomous loading systems (AMR), the GP1350 is fully automatable and suitable for production processes ranging from single parts to large series. The introduction of another size, the GP2150, is already planned for 2027.
Additionally, the company is developing new machine concepts with double, four, and six-spindle configurations specifically designed for the economical production of small components. These expansions support market penetration in new growth areas. In addition to traditional industries, sectors such as aerospace & defense, security, and heavy-duty are increasingly coming into focus.
Expansion of automation and digitalization in manufacturing
In parallel with the technological advancement in the field of CNC machines, GROB is consistently expanding its solutions in the area of automation and digitalization. With the new robot cell GRC-M60, the company presents a compact solution for parts handling, which is deliberately designed for easy operation and an attractive cost-benefit ratio. A clearly defined standard with reduced options allows for quick integration into existing production environments.
The portfolio in the area of pallet automation has also been further developed. The second generation of the pallet round storage system PSS-R450 offers a compact storage solution with up to 60 pallet spaces and the possibility of connecting up to two machines. The automation portfolio is complemented by the GROB Mobile Robot (GMR), which takes over the automated transport of tools. It can also move heavy tool weights and transport up to 16 tools simultaneously. Furthermore, different types of pallets can be handled - from machine pallets with workpieces to Euro pallets with raw materials.
In the field of digitalization, GROB consolidates its activities in the MOM system COSERA (Connected System to Execute, Record and Automate). The system serves as a superior control system for planning, control, and optimization of the entire production process, helping companies make their production processes more transparent and efficient.
New business potentials in electromobility, robotics, and drone technology
In addition to established business areas, GROB is specifically working on new technologies and applications. In the field of electromobility, the proven hairpin technology for manufacturing stators is being consistently further developed. At the same time, the company is advancing the optimization of the Z-folder for the production of battery cells – now already in its third generation.
In the growing field of humanoid robotics, new application areas for GROB technologies are emerging. These include newly developed systems for assembling small rotor and stator components, as well as the use of machining centers for manufacturing housing components.
The company sees further potentials in the field of drones and unmanned flight systems. Here, perspectives are particularly opening up for electric drive and battery systems. Additionally, a new test facility for flyer winders has been developed. For larger drones, the precise machining of structural and housing components is also increasingly coming into focus.
"Our strategy is clear: We are specifically expanding our machine portfolio to open up new machines and technologies and thus new markets," explains German Wankmiller, CEO of GROB-WERKE. "This creates additional manufacturing opportunities for our customers while simultaneously ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the GROB Group."
Optimization measures and investments strengthen the Mindelheim location
At the headquarters in Mindelheim, GROB continues to focus on targeted optimization measures and strategic investments. Central to this is a corporate culture that enables quick and consistent responses to market changes. Leaders and teams are required to implement decisions swiftly and continuously adapt structures to new conditions. At the same time, the company continues to invest in the location: the training center has been expanded, an employee parking garage has been built, and additional measures for automating support processes and machines have been continued. The goal is to further increase the efficiency of internal processes while simultaneously ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the location.
Continuous investments in research and development
A central component of the corporate strategy remains the continuous investment in research and development. In the fiscal year 2025/26, GROB invested 65 million euros in product development and 44 million euros in various corporate investments.
Despite the challenging market situation, the corporate group was able to maintain a healthy balance sheet structure and close the fiscal year with a positive annual result. The GROB Group achieved a total performance of 1.85 billion euros. Furthermore, GROB is working with its established banking consortium on extending the ongoing financing, which will provide the company with flexibility and security for its further growth in the coming years.
Capacity adjustments in response to different market developments
The utilization at individual locations currently shows different developments. While certain areas continue to experience high demand, others are under increased adjustment pressure due to the current market situation. The plant in Bluffton (USA) is currently the most utilized due to strong US demand – and this high utilization is expected to continue in the coming months. GROB China benefits from the competitive price structure of GROB technology in the Chinese market and is thus well positioned in machining throughout Asia. Here, too, utilization remains positive.
The situation at the Mindelheim location is more challenging, as it is heavily dependent on the development of electromobility. The current decline in demand, additional burdens from US tariffs, and the partial loss of the Asian market are leading to noticeable utilization problems. Short-time work has therefore been introduced in some areas. At the same time, further measures are underway, Wolfram Weber, CFO of GROB-WERKE, explains: "We are making structural capacity adjustments. These are being carried out as socially compatible as possible – among other things, through the reduction of external capacities, the use of natural fluctuation, offers for early retirement, and a newly launched volunteer program."
Contact:
