Safety marks record year and strong momentum in 2026
The Safety Business Unit achieved excellent results in 2025 despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges. Continued growth driven by innovation, a strong focus on operational efficiencies, and successful integration of the BICERA™ acquisition resulted in another record year. In 2026, Safety will meet its objectives through new product introductions, growth market penetration, and further strengthening of its global manufacturing footprint.
In 2025, the Safety Business Unit increased its sales by 4.0%, generating a record high of 126.3 million euros in revenue. Consisting of the three brands IEP Technologies, Newson Gale, and HOERBIGER, it delivered strong growth in the Americas and China. Furthermore, despite general market weakness in Europe, the team achieved excellent growth in Italy, France, and Turkey, further strengthening its market position. These results were supported by strong performance across its three key market segments: Dust Explosion Protection, Static Control, and Engines & Generators (E&G).
The continued strength of the shipbuilding sector in Asia, together with a significant increase in the fast-growing energy market, led to another strong year for the E&G segment. In addition, the Safety team in China achieved 94% growth within the fast-growing Battery Energy Storage (BESS) market.
“ In 2025, the Safety Business Unit delivered another record year, demonstrating the resilience and strategic agility of our global team.”
Innovation and localization strengthen market-leading position
The successful global introduction of the IVE (Flameless Explosion Venting for bucket elevator protection) enhanced the Business Unit’s market-leading position in food and grain processing.
Furthermore, the local-for-local strategy continued to strengthen the position of the Business Unit; by producing explosion vents in Changzhou, it captured substantial market share within the BESS sector, providing higher profitability and allowing the team to navigate trade tariff challenges more effectively than competitors. This success has established a production template that is intended to be replicated as the Business Unit invests in vent production capabilities for the US market in 2026.
Successful BICERA™ integration enhances strategic portfolio
Safety successfully completed the integration of the BICERA™ product line acquisition from January 2025. It is now fully operational, having successfully met its first-year financial targets. This strategic addition continues to strengthen Safety’s presence within the North American market while enriching its portfolio with innovative solutions – particularly in the fast-growing Energy segment.
A culture of saving lives
The commitment to safety is the cornerstone of the Business Units’ culture, transcending operational metrics to define how its people are valued. The Business Unit operates under the principle that “Together we save lives”, a mission that begins within its own walls.
By prioritizing rigorous protocols and a “safety-first” mindset, the Business Unit maintained a strong safety record in 2025, ensuring that every colleague returned home to their families each day in the same condition they arrived, reinforcing the promise to protect the greatest strength: the team.
Outlook for 2026: customer-centric innovation drives growth
The 2026 focus targets market-driven product introductions, growth markets, and operational excellence. Safety will build on its strong position within the global BESS market with customer-targeted product developments and the expansion of the US vent manufacturing footprint.
It is well-positioned geographically and competitively to continue growth despite macroeconomic uncertainties. With new products, local investments, and consistent innovation, the Business Unit remains on its successful growth path.