Fan and motor manufacturer Ziehl-Abegg has seen its sales grow for 2016 to €482m, compared with €447m a year earlier.

Ceo Peter Fenkl said: “Global and economic policy framework conditions have been more than difficult but we have succeeded in more than asserting our position in the markets.'

The significant growth was facilitated by new products, improved logistics and a greater commitment to sales and service. The company also opened a new branch in Dubai last year and increased staff numbers to more than 3550.

Mr Fenkl continued: “The pure sales figures, which are up by about 8%, are the one side but the other is the personal contact, talks with suppliers and customers.”

Exports account for a more than 75% of the company’s sales. Business in Germany has risen slightly but the bulk of the increase has come from other European countries. Sales in the countries on the American continents also have reported above-average increases.

Pictured right: Alois Keppler at Ziehl-Abegg in Bieringen assembling a large fan which, as a compact system, has triggered a huge boom in demand in the global market.