According to provisional figures, Ziehl-Abegg's turnover rose from 484 million to 540 million euros, while the business now employs a total of 3900 people. The company traditionally publishes no information on profits.   

Sales growth was worldwide, and chief executive Peter Fenkl stated: 'Our expectations have been significantly exceeded in Asia as well as in North and South America.'

Even countries where sales had been halved due to recent political upheavals have recovered well, posting increases in the double-digit percentage range. Mr Fenkl referred in particular to the Ukraine and Russia as example of this development.

Meanwhile, the new Ziehl-Abegg company in Dubai is proving to be a good starting point for business in the Middle East, with countries such as Iran reporting growth, especially in the elevator motor business.

Noting a range of global factors and geo-political issues including Brexit, Trump's presidency, elections in Russia, the formation of a government in Germany, discord in the EU, and conflicts in Africa and Asia, Mr Fenkl described the situation as being 'like a colourful array of Swords of Damocles hanging over political and economic developments.' 

Despite this, Ziehl-Abegg has started the year with confidence, sustained by the positive order intake in the first weeks of 2018. Mr Fenkl said: 'This year we will again be launching products that will set new records for energy efficiency, as well as investing in the global production and service network.'

The growth in sales has been accompanied by an expansion of the workforce. A year ago, Ziehl-Abegg employed 3550 people worldwide; this figure has since risen to 3900.

Mr Fenkl explained: “This rapid growth not only poses a challenge for us in terms of production but also in the integration of new employees. Our suppliers also need to be able to keep pace with the rapid growth in sales.'

Ziehl-Abegg has also expanded its production capabilities, having invested 43 million euros in the last year.  

Although ventilation technology and drive technology each posted a double-digit increase in sales, the automotive division is lagging behind expectations. “The city bus manufacturers in Western Europe are very reluctant to switch over to electric drives,” said Fenkl.

However, he expects to see a significant increase in political pressure and the desire of urban dwellers for clean and quiet buses: “When that happens, we will already have developed the tried and tested solution.'

The latest generation of the ZAWheel city bus drive incorporates the wishes of the bus manufacturers as well as the experiences of the bus operators with this technology. Mr Fenkl observed that the level of interest shown at the world's largest omnibus fair, Busworld in Belgium last October, was very positive.