Bühler strengthens its market position

(Posted on 16/02/26)

Bühler demonstrated its reliability and strength as a trusted partner for its stakeholders in 2025. Thanks to its broad and innovative product portfolio, global footprint, and strong supply chain, Bühler expanded into new markets and grew market share in key sectors. In a challenging global climate for investment goods, order intake in local currencies was stable. Turnover decreased, reflecting the low order intake in the prior year. Through strong cost discipline and focus on internal productivity gains, the company was able to increase its EBIT margin to 8.0% (prior year: 7.6%). This enables Bühler to continue to invest in innovative solutions for customers.

In a climate of high uncertainty, Bühler seized growth opportunities in regions and grew market share in key sectors. “We demonstrated resilience and strength to continuously innovate for our customers and invest in future growth,” says Stefan Scheiber, CEO up to the end of 2025 and Chairman of the Board.

“We largely offset negative business effects thanks to our global setup, strong supply chain network, and strong customer orientation. Our business has proven it can withstand challenging market conditions. We are grateful for our customers’ trust and confidence in our solutions and services. I am very proud and thankful for what our employees have achieved this year. Our company is built on remarkable talent, and we will continue to invest in our culture of lifelong learning to anticipate and shape the future of our industry,” Stefan Scheiber adds. He also points out how Bühler successfully managed transitions at Board level, ensuring continuity, renewal, and long-term business success as a strong and independent family enterprise.

Order intake at Group level was stable in local currencies, showing a slight decline of 0.5% (in Swiss francs, order intake declined by 3.9% to CHF 2.7 billion). Turnover at Group level contracted by 4.4% in local currencies (in Swiss francs a decrease of 7.8% to CHF 2.8 billion) due to the effects of lower orders in the previous year as well as timing effects from project execution and delayed material deliveries in some markets.

Grains & Food reported a decrease in orders of 1.1% to CHF 2,147 million. Within Grains & Food, the Chocolate & Coffee business showed an outstanding performance with order intake rising by 31.0% to CHF 325 million. Value Nutrition achieved double-digit order growth of 12.7%. Grain Quality & Supply and Consumer Foods orders decreased by 7.4% and 8.8% respectively. Milling Solutions order intake decreased by 14.3% from a historically high level in 2024.

Advanced Materials experienced a decline in orders, down 15.2% to CHF 551 million. The business was impacted by weak investment activity in the automotive sector, uncertainties in Europe, and increased competitive pressure in China. Die Casting was affected most, with a 37.9% decrease in orders, as several large-scale megacasting projects materialized more slowly than expected. Grinding & Dispersing, by contrast, achieved significant growth of 51.0%, supported by large battery-related projects and renewed activity in inks, coatings, and food applications. Leybold Optics recorded an 8.3% decline in orders.

In 2025, Bühler also successfully managed transitions at Board level, ensuring continuity, renewal, and long-term business success. Bühler will remain an independent family enterprise owned by the fifth generation of the founding family. As part of the planned succession for 2026, the Board of Directors proposed Stefan Scheiber as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was elected at the Annual General Meeting in February, succeeding Calvin Grieder, who is retiring after 25 years of service as CEO, Board Member, and Chairman of the Board. At the Annual General Meeting, Linda Yang and Frank N.J. Braeken did not stand for re-election. Both have served on the Board of Directors since 2014, thereby reaching the maximum term of office of 12 years as defined in the company's Articles of Incorporation. Samuel Schär, who has held leadership positions in the company since 2005, and was Chief Services & Sales Officer since 2020, succeeded Stefan Scheiber as CEO of Bühler effective January 1, 2026. This carefully prepared succession ensures stability, continuity, and strong alignment with Bühler’s values as an independent family-owned company.

Bühler’s Grains & Food business also announced a planned leadership change. After a decade of successful leadership, Johannes Wick stepped down as CEO at the end of 2025 to assume a new strategic role within the Group. He is succeeded by Mike Häfeli, a long-time Bühler leader with over 25 years of experience following an apprenticeship at the company with additional studies. Mike Häfeli is CEO Grains & Food and Member of the Executive Board as of January 1, 2026.

Bühler expects the volatile market environment to persist into 2026. With its clear strategic direction and backed by a robust financial base, Bühler is well positioned to capture emerging opportunities, strengthen its market positions, and deliver lasting value for all stakeholders in 2026 and beyond.

Bühler strengthens its market position

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Bühler strengthens its market position

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