ODU grows further in 2015

For more than 70 years, ODU has been leading the way in high-performance connector technology for demanding applications. In 2015, the company managed to increase its turnover from 139 to 146 million euros, a growth rate of 5 percent. “We actually exceeded our original target of crossing the 140-million-euro threshold,” explains Dr. Joachim Belz, CEO at ODU. “We’re pleased with this result considering the context of the global economy, which has cooled down quite significantly.”* In the US and China, ODU’s results came in above the expected industry average. This can be explained by ODU’s project-related business with application-specific products in the US as well as its highly successful business with local Chinese customers – where, against all economic trends, ODU even generated double digit growth.

Manufacturing depth and a broad product range

In the current year, ODU plans on strengthening its market position – while also focusing on sales growth. “Our goal for 2016 is to cross the 150-million-euro threshold,” explains ODU’s CEO. A number of measures help to ensure the company’s success: In addition to expanding its R&D department and laboratory, ODU is strongly focusing on its new global management structure. “This strategically crucial step is helping us strengthen the business regions of Europe, North America and Asia.” Three regional directors look after the market-compliant development of the product range in each of these regions. Thanks to the expansion of its global production network, together with the strengthening of its sales organization, ODU can ensure increased customer proximity, speedy service and a high level of flexibility and product availability. In October 2015, a new ODU subsidiary was launched in Japan. The company is currently focusing on the continued development and expansion of its R&D team and production in North America, with a new production site in Mexico being planned. In Europe, North America and Asia in 2016, ODU will offer more customer-specific solutions and complete cable assembly solutions. Once again, the connector specialist plans to invest up to 10 percent of its annual turnover in production and automation technology. Thanks to all of these measures, we’re ideally prepared for the future,” emphasizes Joachim Belz. “It means we’re fully living up to our motto – A PERFECT ALLIANCE – and creating perfect connections the world over.”

*Source: Ifo World Economic Survey (WES), Q1 2016 (11th February, 2016).