In the last fiscal year (ending March 31, 2024), sales at DELO significantly increased. The manufacturer of high-tech adhesives and other multifunctional materials recorded sales revenue of ¢ã229 million. This is an increase of twelve percent compared to the previous year. South Korea and Mexico were among the most dynamic markets.

Overall, around half of sales were generated in Asia. The other half is divided between Europe and North America. As in previous years, the semiconductor, automotive, and consumer electronics industries proved to be the most important pillars. Investment in research and development amounted to 15 percent of revenues, which is around three times the industry average.

DELO's corporate headquarters in Windach, Germany, where a solar system with 4,000 modules recently went into operation (Image: DELO)

¡±After a few challenging years due to COVID-19, strapped supply chains and the war in Ukraine, all of which prompted constant rescheduling of logistics processes, this past fiscal year could be characterized as more routine,¡± says Dr. Wolf Herold, Managing Partner of DELO. ¡±Nevertheless, there was great uncertainty among our customers as a result of a more cautious global market, making our twelve percent increase all the more remarkable.¡±

The company recently successfully acquired land on which to build an additional production facility in Malaysia. The new site is located near Kuala Lumpur. Major investments are also being made at headquarters in Windach, Germany. Construction work is underway for a fully automated 6,000 m² warehouse. Plans are also ongoing for the construction of an auditorium and an additional laboratory building.

In April, a 4,000-panel photovoltaic system was installed. With a peak output of 1.7 megawatts, DELO is now able to cover around 30 percent of its annual electricity requirements with self-generated green electricity. This is roughly equivalent to the annual electricity requirements of 400 households.

Last year, DELO celebrated the 25th anniversary of the management buyout, when the company was taken over by managing partners Sabine and Dr. Wolf Herold, making the company an independent family business again. Since 1998, the number of employees has grown from 70 to 1,080 today (previous year: 1,000). By the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year, this figure is expected to reach 1,150. Employees can once again look forward to a bonus.