The Optima Group reports an increase in turnover of more than 20 per cent to 800 million euros in the 2024 financial year. With around 3,400 employees worldwide, the special machine manufacturer has further consolidated its position on the international market.
The year 2024 was characterised by strategic decisions at Optima: New locations, targeted investments and an increase in personnel have created the basis for positive further development - and at the same time ensured that customers worldwide can be supported even faster and more flexibly, it says.
High demand for complex systems
Demand for complex filling systems with isolators and freeze dryers was once again exceptionally high, particularly in the Pharma division. In order to meet customer requirements, the company is continuing to expand its capacities worldwide with new branches and expansions at its German sites in Schwäbisch Hall, Mornshausen and Radolfzell. Additional specialists have been hired to support growth and to further stabilise and accelerate project implementation, according to the company.
Impetus through PPWR - Innovation through partnership
At the same time, the Consumer division focussed on sustainability and regulatory change. The planned EU packaging regulation (PPWR) prompted many customers to work together with Optima on new packaging materials and solutions to implement the requirements.
„We see ourselves not just as a machine manufacturer, but as a partner who provides holistic advice and develops innovative, future-proof concepts together with our customers that harmonise both resource-saving and economic requirements.“
Stefan König, CEO of the Optima Group
Recovery in hygiene product packaging - restraint with hydrogen
After a few challenging years, packaging technology for hygiene products has recovered significantly. Innovations and exciting development projects can now be realised here again. Furthermore, important projects for applications in the hydrogen environment have been successfully delivered. Overall, however, this segment is developing rather cautiously, as the political impetus worldwide has not yet been sufficient.
Investment in training
Optima 2024 has also set an important course in the area of training. A new training centre, one of the largest in the region, has been set up at the headquarters in Solpark in Schwäbisch Hall. It offers young talents modern training positions and high-quality technical equipment. „The investment in our training centre is a clear commitment to promoting young specialists,“ says Head of Human Resources Katja Schrafft. „Thanks to a strong team, we offer top-class training, as evidenced by the regular honours our trainees receive.“
Sustainability as a central factor
Another key area of action is the sustainability strategy. According to the Optima Group, it is pursuing ambitious targets to reduce CO₂ emissions along the entire value chain. Optima has been working with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) since 2022 to implement well-founded climate targets. In April 2025, Optima was awarded the EcoVadis platinum medal - the highest rating level - a testament to the company's commitment to the environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. This puts Optima in the top one per cent of all companies in its sector assessed worldwide and underlines its claim to combine economic success with ecological and social responsibility.
Expansion abroad
Optima is systematically driving forward its international presence: more than 60 new employees were hired in the USA and an additional branch was opened in Puerto Rico. In India, the Bangalore site was joined by another in Pune, where around 40 employees work in the areas of design, sales and after sales. With a new service centre in Basel, Optima is now even closer to its customers in Switzerland.
„With this international expansion, we are emphasising our clear goal of strengthening long-term partnerships, expanding our leading technological position and supporting customers worldwide even better and faster.“
Hans Bühler, Managing Partner
Outlook 2025
The outlook for the future is confident, but deliberately differentiated: While individual segments continue to grow strongly, Optima is keeping a close eye on global economic developments. „Our order backlog is solid overall and our services are in demand,“ says Stefan König. „We are well prepared to respond flexibly and decisively to new challenges - with innovative strength, quality and a strong team worldwide.“
Source: Optima
