GERMANY - The Hettich group of companies, one of the world's largest manufacturers of furniture fittings with headquarters in Kirchlengern, once again generated sales of around € 1.1 billion in 2020, more of less reaching last year's level.

Seventy per cent of business was done abroad. Worldwide, Hettich invested € 72 million in new products, buildings and machinery. Hettich currently employs over 6,600 members of staff around the globe, more than 3,500 of them in Germany.

Despite coronavirus pandemic and global economic uncertainties – the Hettich Group brought a challenging 2020 to a successful close. In the 2nd quarter of 2020, sales initially took a sharp dip in the wake of global lockdowns and retailers forced to close. New trends, in contrast, defined the second six months: home improvements, greater DIY activity, more home working as well as the rediscovered home kitchen ambience left Hettich on a high in the second half. China's economy was particularly quick to recover from the pandemic.

Sascha Gross, Managing Director Hettich Holding, explains: “Despite furlough, lockdowns in many countries and delayed impacts on supply chains – our primary aim was always to maintain deliveries to our customers in the manner to which they are accustomed”.

Managing Director colleague Jana Schönfeld, Hettich Holding, adds: “Tremendous dedication and commitment on the part of the global Hettich team put us in great stead to ride out the volatile business environment we were seeing last year. We are so grateful to all colleagues and share a sense of pride in what we have achieved.”