It is interesting to note that the respondents expect the trend for their own company to be more positive than they do for the industry or even Germany. For example, 18 out of 19 respondents expect the economic situation in their own company to increase significantly or slightly. In the industry, 15 out of 19 company representatives expect this.

Bart Pulles, Key Account Manager, AR Racking © AR Racking

AR Racking
Being closer to the customer
On-time delivery is becoming increasingly important. This applies not only to our customers in their business, but also to us. Based on our experience, we know that this also applies to the German market. Quality and personal advice as well as trust are a must, even in times of digitalization and e-commerce. AR Racking has therefore decided to serve the German market directly in order to be closer to our customers.

To this end, we have planned a new branch in Duisburg in order to visibly establish our rapidly growing team. All major projects will now be processed and offered from there. This enables us to meet the ever-increasing demands for speed and flexibility and achieve the best delivery times thanks to our fully automated production. This applies not only to smaller but also to larger projects. Thanks to our fast delivery time of three weeks, we are able to meet the demands of the market. In 2019, we will be expanding our team in Duisburg to meet demand.

Robert Gärtner, Managing Director atago Solutions © atago Solutions

atago Solutions
Relevant markets show stable development
In the first year of atago Solutions GmbH's existence, we are very satisfied with the development of our business. Overall, I consider the prospects for the coming year to be good. In my opinion, there are no signs of a downturn or even a recession, but the increasing political uncertainty is leading to restraint, which will herald the end of years of boom. The markets relevant to us (including the construction and food sectors as well as online retail) continue to show stable development, which will not come to an end in 2019.

However, the shortage of skilled workers (electricians) is making it increasingly difficult for us to find suitable employees in our market segment. We have developed a new generation of control systems for our conveyor system closures, which will certainly set us apart from the market and also open up new opportunities in the growing retrofit segment.

Jürgen Schultz, Sales Manager bekuplast © bekuplast

bekuplast
Stable economic situation expected
For the bekuplast group of companies, 2018 was characterized by very strong growth, which can be attributed to the introduction of new product groups combined with strong demand in the reusable segment. Although there are currently initial signs of a weakening economy, we expect a stable economic situation for the bekuplast Group in the first half of 2019.

With numerous new product developments in the reusable sector, we are able to compensate for declining sales in some product groups. Only the rising raw material prices are currently causing us concern with regard to margin targets. bekuplast offers a broad product range of volume-reducible transport containers. We have patented solutions and plan to introduce further new collapsible containers (for example in the bread sector) in 2019. We have also launched a new variable, lightweight medium pallet and see very good opportunities to set ourselves apart from the competition with this Euro pallet.

Johannes Stemmer, Director Digital Transformation Beumer Group © Beumer Group

Beumer
Adapting new technologies quickly
2018 was a very successful year for the Beumer Group and I expect the economy to continue to develop positively in the coming year. The production volume in intralogistics in Germany, which is steadily increasing, is also reassuring. Digitalization is playing an increasingly important role, and not only in our industry.

Because virtually everyone has a smartphone today and digital platforms are taking on gigantic proportions, purchasing behavior is changing, among other things. E-commerce is continuing to pick up speed. We need to adapt new technologies quickly and agilely. As a system integrator, we offer highly flexible sorting solutions. At LogiMAT, we will be presenting our newly developed BG Sorter, which enables us to provide our customers with even better support. In order to stay on track for the digital age and not be overrun by Apple, Google or Facebook, we are creating this disruptive attack from outside ourselves. To this end, we have launched two spin-offs.

Martin McVicar, Managing Director, Combilift © Combilift

Combilift
Dialogue with a global network
The outlook for Combilift is very positive, with strong growth this year in all markets except Turkey, and I expect this to continue. Particular growth is also expected in the e-commerce sector in many countries. Optimum utilization of space and more efficient use of forklift fleets will be at the forefront.

The manufacturing sector is at an all-time high in many markets, which is driving the trend towards handheld equipment. In the UK, USA, Australia and Italy, we have seen a lot of investment in infrastructure and construction projects, which offers opportunities for heavy-duty products in particular. At Combilift, we place great emphasis on dialog with our global network of customers and dealers. Combi-Connect is our free logistics and warehouse design service and enables our customers to visualize the optimal use of their warehouse space. Our engineers design, plan and produce solutions by providing material flow analysis and 3D animations.

Ken Dufford, Vice President Europe, Crown © Crown

Crown
Consistent customer orientation
We anticipate a generally positive economic environment in the medium term and expect further market growth worldwide. We assume that we will grow in line with market developments. However, increasing global conflicts and political uncertainties may lead to unpredictable developments in the longer term and create significantly more difficult conditions for further market development.
Digitalization, connectivity, automation and big data will remain the most important business drivers.

Above all, we see opportunities in this and are working closely with our customers on future-proof solutions for continuous process and cost optimization in the warehouse. Crown is very well positioned to take advantage of technology-driven growth. The next generations of forklift trucks will bring completely new experiences for operators and fleet managers. Crown will play an active role in shaping this future.

Dr. Roland Thumm, Chairman of the Management Board © Dambach

Dambach storage systems
Products are becoming more intelligent
Even if there are signs of an economic slowdown, the intralogistics market is still seen as positive. Customer requirements regarding the availability of goods are increasing and material flows are changing, not only nationally but also globally. This is being overlaid by new technical possibilities. In particular, Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things form the basis for this. Products are becoming smarter and more flexible. In terms of technology, Germany is one of the market leaders in intralogistics, meaning that a stable market is seen for German providers.

After launching our Multiflex system for pallet storage technology two years ago, consisting of coordinated components such as shuttle, carrier and conveyor technology, we are currently developing new products that are becoming increasingly intelligent. Our core product, the storage and retrieval machine, will also benefit from this. In general, our market objective is to be a reliable partner for general contractors.

Jessica Heinz, Head of Marketing and Communications and Business Development, CE Dematic © Dematic

Dematic
Optimization of the pocket sorter system
Demand for warehouse automation and solutions for sorting, automated goods transportation and order picking across the supply chain is at a high level. Positive growth impetus is coming from e-commerce and the associated expansion and realignment of many supply chains.

A steadily growing number of companies are investing in their warehouse and logistics capacities in order to achieve faster throughput times, more efficient goods flows and a greater variety of items. Dematic aims to build on the previous year's successful performance in the 2019 financial year and increase both incoming orders and sales based on the forecast market development. We continue to close "automation gaps" with market-ready solutions. In 2019, we will continue to pursue these, including by optimizing our bag sorting system, which will offer greater automation in unloading

Frédéric Meyer, Sales Manager Galler Storage and Shelving Technology © Galler

Galler
Healthy demand for logistics solutions
We expect demand to remain healthy in 2019. We do not foresee a downturn for our business division and do not see our customers holding back on investments in logistics. However, as in 2018, the market for shelving technology will be characterized by aggressive competition:

Various manufacturers are trying to expand their market share with low prices. Galler's response to this is not to enter into price competition or retreat into a niche market for highly individualized special solutions, but to continue to focus on its core competence - the production of a wide range of solutions for various standard shelving systems in its own production facility in Germany. In 2019, there will be a particular focus on dynamic shelving systems, for example for FIFO, LIFO or automated warehouses, the proportion of which already increased significantly in 2018.

Christoph Hackländer, Managing Director HaRo Group © HaRo

HaRo
Good development thanks to automation pressure
The expected economic developments are good to very good for the HaRo Group. The main reason for this forecast is the pressure to automate, not only in large companies, but also increasingly in small and medium-sized companies in Germany. As a specialist in unit load conveyor technology, individual solutions are our passion. But we will also continue to follow the trend towards ever more complex and networked systems.

Thanks to our experience, coupled with comprehensive consulting services, we create maximum benefits for our customers. We are therefore looking forward to a busy year and are optimistic about 2019. We are meeting the growing demands in the field of automation with our innovative vertical conveyors, demand for which is expected to continue to rise in the coming year. Its use opens up new levels in existing buildings and connects them to existing logistics processes using state-of-the-art automation technology.

Jörg Mandelatz, Managing Director Interroll Fördertechnik © Interroll

Interroll Conveyor Technology
Growth trend will continue
The financial year to date has been very successful for Interroll. The topic of material flow has gained the attention of decision-makers across all industries and is becoming more dynamic. Demand has also picked up noticeably, particularly because the topic of efficient logistics has become a high priority for end customers. Interroll is confident and is focusing on growing markets. As a partner in the intralogistics market, we see positive momentum in all sectors in which we operate, with particular emphasis on the e-commerce market, the courier, express and parcel service sector and the airport sector.

Modernization measures and new construction projects are both a relevant part of our current growth and this trend will continue in 2019. We are completing our platform in the context of warehouse technology and will be launching solutions in the field of pallet conveyor technology. On the other hand, we will be able to offer more application-related new solutions with our RollerDrive.

Christian Grabner, CFO Knapp © Scarce

Scarce
Fashion and retail with high growth
Knapp specializes in automation solutions in the Healthcare, Fashion, Retail & E-Commerce, Food Retail and Industry segments. We expect all segments to continue to develop positively. The Healthcare segment, which generated a quarter of the Knapp Group's total turnover in the last financial year and where we expect further growth, deserves special mention. The acquisition of the Apostore/KHT Group has expanded the portfolio and Knapp now offers customized solutions for the entire pharmaceutical supply chain.

We also expect very high growth rates in the fashion and retail & e-commerce segments. The USP: Firstly, we combine our high-end technology with our specific industry knowledge and are therefore able to design optimal system solutions for our customers. Secondly, I would like to emphasize our service orientation: We support our customers in the further development of the systems over the entire term and can therefore offer support at every stage.

Hubert Kloß, CEO Körber Logistics Systems © Körber Logistics Systems

Körber Logistics Systems
Key driver of Industry 4.0
Körber Logistics Systems has successfully continued its course of internationalization over the past two years and is in an excellent position. Industry 4.0, i.e. the automation and digitalization of processes and information, continues to be a key driver.

Retailers and many SMEs in particular have some catching up to do in this respect. At the same time, system technology has moved very closely together with IT in the development of efficient solutions. The corresponding market requirements are met by the specialized companies of Körber Logistics Systems. The current shortage of skilled workers is a factor that is difficult to calculate in terms of its further impact on industry development. Against this background, Körber Logistik-Systeme welcomes the "Logistics Heroes" image campaign recently initiated by the BVL.

Heike Oder, Head of Trade Press Linde Material Handling © Linde MH

Linde Material Handling
Increase in revenue and adjusted EBIT
The global market for industrial trucks achieved strong growth in the first three quarters of 2018. Demand for warehouse automation and solutions for sorting and automated goods transportation also remained at a high level. The steady growth of e-commerce continued to have a strong impact.

More and more companies are investing in the expansion and optimization of their capacities in order to achieve faster throughput times, more efficient flows of goods and a greater variety of items. KION intends to build on this trend in the 2018 financial year and, based on the forecast market development, increase both order intake and revenue as well as adjusted EBIT. Linde MH differentiates itself through customer-oriented solutions. Our aim is to offer the most efficient products, software systems and services.

Christian Beer, Owner and Managing Director Servus Intralogistics © Servus Intralogistics

Servus Intralogistics
There is still a lot of untapped potential
The demand for innovative logistics concepts will remain high, as there is still a lot of untapped potential for improving lean and efficient production. The economic slowdown will not yet have a noticeable impact in 2019. We are therefore confident that we will continue our growth trajectory in the coming year and will once again help numerous customers across all industries to achieve efficient logistics with the Servus System.

Our autonomous transport robots cover 90 percent of their routes overhead, leaving the available space free for production. At the same time, available space is becoming increasingly scarce and it is becoming more and more important to use it efficiently. This will set us apart from all other system providers in the future, as will the decentralized nature of our system with all its advantages.

Michael Mohr, Executive Vice President Sales, SSI Schaefer © SSI Schäfer

SSI Schäfer
Acting quickly, competently and agilely
As a global manufacturer and solution provider, we see the digital transformation and the permanent availability of goods in times of e-commerce as major challenges for many companies. As a system supplier, we are active worldwide and serve a wide range of industries. However, in recent years we have noticed a shift towards increasingly specific and demanding customer expectations.

Users want us to know their market and their individual situation and to develop the exact IT and hardware solution that will give them a competitive advantage. In order to meet these requirements optimally, we have been working in competence teams for the market sectors Fashion, Food Retail, Food & Beverage, Retail & Wholesale and Healthcare & Cosmetics for years. The bundling of industry-specific know-how and expert knowledge enables even more customer-specific product development. SSI Schaefer is the market leader in many intralogistics technologies. We have acquired stakes in technology leaders and entered into partnerships with start-ups. The aim is to meet the requirements of markets and new technologies quickly, competently and agilely.

Thomas Kraus, Support Center Director at Stahl CraneSystems © Steel CraneSystems

Steel CraneSystems
Further growth expected
We generally expect growth in our industry to slow down. This is also in line with the general forecasts of the leading economic institutes and associations. In addition, the current overall political situation is causing further uncertainty. Despite this general gloom, we expect further growth in 2019 thanks to our company's broad positioning and the development of new markets. Within the industry, we anticipate a further increase in competitive pressure.
further increase in competitive pressure.

Partners in Motion Control - our company motto becomes our program - the product portfolio of our sister company Magnetek is a perfect complement to our products.

Dirk Haarscheidt, Sales Systems Division at Stöcklin Logistik © Stöcklin Logistics

Stöcklin Logistics
Pleasing situation likely to continue
We have had a consistently high level of inquiries for months, both in new business and from existing customers. We are already aware of numerous projects for 2019, which means that the positive economic situation is likely to continue.

The USP: The StöcklinDMA is a software tool that identifies at-risk system components and fault-prone processes at an early stage and automatically reports them to the responsible control authorities. This gives users the opportunity to initiate ad hoc countermeasures in the sense of "predictive maintenance" long before damage and sometimes prolonged, expensive downtimes occur.

Dr. Markus Ehrmann, Managing Director Vanderlande © Vanderlande

Vanderlande
E-commerce will continue to drive investment
The momentum of the economic upturn in Germany appears to be slowing slightly, but the logistics sector will not be affected. Among other things, the growth engine of e-commerce will continue to drive companies' willingness to invest worldwide.

Market leaders such as Amazon and Zalando are expanding and continuously developing their networks with the help of Vanderlande. As a market leader in the parcel and postal services sector, general contractor Vanderlande also supports major express parcel services such as DHL and UPS in achieving their logistics goals. In addition to projects from our existing customers, we are constantly receiving interesting inquiries from the market regarding the automation of existing logistics centers as well as greenfield projects. Our outlook for 2019 can therefore be described as positive without exaggeration. Our comprehensive product portfolio and the diversity of our innovative automation solutions will set us apart from our competitors, and not just in the coming year. We also offer processing expertise from a single source that clearly sets us apart from the market.