In 2015, the internationally active 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 particularly pleased with this result considering the context of the global economy, which, on the whole, 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. Thanks to ODU's being active in several different application areas, from medical technology to eMobility, the specialist in electrical connector technology proved less susceptible to market fluctuations.
Manufacturing depth and a broad product range - both globally and locally
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 continued 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.
Ideally prepared for the future
In Europe, North America and Asia in 2016, ODU will offer more customer-specific solutions and, in particular, complete cable assembly solutions. ODU will also be able to deliver fully integrated solutions from one source, to meet customer specifications. Once again, the connector specialist plans to invest up to 10 percent of its annual turnover in production and automation technology. The company's strong focus on continuously promoting its staff will continue in 2016. ODU attaches great importance to having highly qualified and motivated employees - some receive their training, in eight different professions, from the company itself - and a highly technically skilled and globally active sales team. "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."
