After a record year in 2023, tool manufacturer Karl-Heinz Arnold GmbH (ARNO Werkzeuge) is reporting a 5.5 per cent drop in turnover to around 54 million euros for 2024. Sales in Germany have suffered significantly. The decline was less pronounced in foreign markets, with the USA and the UK even recording growth. Despite this development, the family-owned company recorded growth in technologically leading products. The online shop CELLARNO developed very positively. The management expects a sideways movement for 2025. As the company did not have to make any redundancies, the aim is to immediately switch back to growth with the existing capacities once the economy recovers.

‘Despite a significant decline in turnover last year, the growth in our top products confirms that our major goal is the right one,’ emphasises Simon Storf, one of the Managing Directors at ARNO Werkzeuge. For 2024, the family-run tool manufacturer is recording a turnover of 54 million euros. The fact that the decline of 5.5 per cent was less pronounced than in the industry in general is also due to the innovative product range and the high quality of process consulting that characterises ARNO Werkzeuge. 

ARNO's top products still in demand

There were also clearly positive developments last year. The top products SA and TE for grooving and parting off as well as the fast-change system for Swiss-type machining recorded increases. ARNO Werkzeuge is one of the technology leaders in both product groups. Here it became clear that customers continue to invest when products can directly increase productivity or automate processes and thus counteract the shortage of skilled labour. Sales via the CELLARNO e-shop also continued to develop favourably. The online shop now accounts for a good ten per cent of total sales.

Cautious for 2025 - but taking off from pole position

In 2025, those responsible at ARNO Werkzeuge generally expect the economy to move sideways. Storf does not specify a sales target. Nevertheless, the company wants to continue to be present at important trade fairs and present innovative new products and product enhancements. ‘And when the economy recovers and starts growing again, we will be able to switch gears immediately with our team, which we have essentially retained, and hit the ground running from pole position,’ assures the Managing Director.