The Sandler Group describes 2025 as a year shaped by structural industry challenges and geopolitical uncertainties. According to the company, high energy prices and persistent cost pressure affected the overall result. Despite these conditions, Sandler is pursuing its long-term strategy, which focuses on cost management, the further development of the product portfolio and greater efficiency in production and administrative processes. Management does not expect market recovery in 2026 or 2027.

Focus on efficiency and structure

"With the 2025 fiscal year, we were not satisfied from an operational standpoint. The market environment remained challenging," says CEO Philipp Ebbinghaus. "Despite or indeed because of the challenging environment, however, we do not want to complain but are looking ahead. That is why we are consistently working on our strategic projects in Schwarzenbach and Perry." Among the priorities he names are improvements in production efficiency and leaner administrative structures.

Investments at the Schwarzenbach site

More than 30 million euros were invested in projects at the Schwarzenbach location in 2025. Investments included the renewal of machinery and an expanded level of automation aimed at stabilising processes and increasing the flexibility of production lines. In parallel, Sandler is modernising cross-functional units and adapting administrative workflows. According to the company, regulatory requirements and persistently high energy costs were key factors influencing the year and underscore the necessity of these investments.

The company also advanced its automation initiatives. "The new 150-metre-long connecting bridge is just one element of our comprehensive automation initiative," says Dr Ulrich Hornfeck, CCO. "The investment in the new production line is an important step towards safeguarding the competitiveness of the site."

Phoenix Non Woven Products

Sandler's involvement with Phoenix Non Woven Products in Perry, Georgia, and Boardman, Ohio, remains part of its international setup. The company states that strategic projects at these sites are progressing.