Engel expects 10% revenue growth in 2026/27

Engel expects revenue of around €1.55 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, an increase of approximately 10% on the previous year. Business is performing ahead of plan, although the company considers it premature to speak of a broad recovery in the injection moulding market. The strongest momentum is coming from the US, where manufacturers are expanding local production and investing in applications ranging from data centre infrastructure to automotive components. India is growing rapidly, while investment decisions are beginning to move forward again in Europe. Medical remains a stable market for Engel worldwide. Even in packaging, where changing regulations make planning more difficult, customers continue to invest in technologies that improve energy efficiency and production economics.

According to Engel, these developments reflect a common priority among processors: solutions must provide a clear return in day-to-day operation. "We are seeing an upturn, but not yet a broad turnaround," says Stefan Engleder, CEO of the Engel Group. "The structural changes in our industry remain, and we are adapting to them. We believe engineering expertise has real economic value. At Fakuma 2026 in Friedrichshafen we will show how our innovations help customers improve their productivity and stay at the forefront of their markets."

US investment drives demand in the Americas

Demand is rising most strongly in the US, where customers are proceeding with projects postponed in previous years. The expansion of domestic manufacturing is also creating both greenfield and brownfield opportunities.

In technical moulding, large, highly automated systems are needed for data centre infrastructure, including housings and components for piping, cooling and electrical systems. Water infrastructure offers further opportunities, from drinking-water supply to wastewater and stormwater management. Manufacturers of household products for major retail chains are also expanding their North American operations.

In the automotive sector, new vehicle programmes and delayed projects are supporting investment. Some US packaging customers are also adding production capacity.

European investment decisions move forward

Sentiment in Europe has improved in recent months, with enquiries once again leading to initial orders. Small and medium-sized companies in particular are replacing older machines and exploring production concepts that complement their existing equipment. Demand also remains resilient in applications for household products, construction, water infrastructure and logistics.

The picture varies considerably by industry. Medical applications remain at a high level, while the European automotive market continues to lag. Financial pressure on suppliers and cost-cutting programmes at vehicle manufacturers are holding back investment. At the same time, Engel sees global potential for in-mould coating of exterior automotive components as an alternative to conventional painting.

In packaging, evolving requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation are making investment decisions harder to plan. Nevertheless, processors are choosing all-electric systems to combine high output with lower energy use. The new e-motion 380, which Engel is presenting at Fakuma, uses around 30% less energy than comparable hybrid or hydraulic solutions.

Engel is continuing to strengthen its European presence. Its manufacturing site in Kikinda, Serbia, is intended to reinforce the company's European value chain. Its partnership with French injection moulding machine manufacturer Billion also provides a defined route for future investment: Billion will continue to service its installed machines, while Engel will be the recommended supplier for new equipment.

India grows as China faces pressure

Capacity expansion, local manufacturing and infrastructure investment are supporting strong demand in India. Similar factors are creating opportunities in Africa. China presents a more challenging picture, particularly in automotive. Lower vehicle demand, intense price competition and capacity built up in recent years are weighing on investment decisions.

At the same time, Engel sees opportunities in applications linked to electronics, semiconductors and humanoid robotics. Across these fields, customers are looking for solutions that reduce unit costs and material consumption, stabilise processes and offer a short payback period.

Engel and Wintec to present production concepts at Fakuma

At Fakuma, Engel will demonstrate how different production challenges call for different solutions. The exhibits range from a largely standardised Wintec t-win two-platen machine producing around 360 clothes hangers per hour to a tie-bar-less victory electric producing a large-format liquid silicone rubber seal without flash or subsequent trimming. Engel will also present inject AI and its applications for day-to-day production.

Together, Engel and Wintec offer different routes to economical production, from proven, standardised machines to production cells designed for specific applications. Engel's support continues beyond commissioning. With more than 125,000 machines installed worldwide, services such as modernisation, retrofitting and machine relocation are intended to help customers maintain equipment productivity over the long term.

"Our strength is not simply the range of solutions we offer," says Engleder. "We work with customers to find the one that best fits their application – and delivers the greatest value throughout its entire lifecycle."