ebm-papst returns to growth as data center demand lifts air technology

ebm-papst reported approximately 6% group growth for fiscal year 2025/26, with sales reaching €2.236 billion, as its core Air Technology business expanded by around 12%. Growth came despite the planned exit from the passenger car and home appliance segments and the transfer of Industrial Drive Technology to Siemens in July 2025.

The company identified data centers as a major growth driver. It is developing fan and pump solutions for data center applications, while its NEXAIRA digital ecosystem uses AI-based algorithms for demand-driven control, predictive maintenance and reductions in energy consumption in new and existing facilities.

Regional performance was led by the Americas, while Europe recorded solid growth. Asia maintained strong growth despite negative currency effects, but the German market declined significantly amid investment restraint and uncertainty in the economic and energy policy environment.

ebm-papst continued expanding its global footprint through a new site in Romania and preparations for a new plant in India. The company is also planning an expansion of its Telford plant in the United States and developing regional Air Technology hubs, particularly in Asia Pacific.

Research and development expenses totaled €142.7 million, while investments reached €110.4 million. More than 1,500 employees received training in AI-related skills during the fiscal year. The global workforce stood at 13,055 employees as of March 2026, including 641 employees transferred to Siemens as part of the Industrial Drive Technology transition.

For fiscal year 2026/27, ebm-papst expects revenue growth of more than 10% in continuing operations, supported by order intake and demand in air technology, data center applications and AI-enabled products and systems. “Artificial intelligence is not an end in itself; it is the key to sustainably scaling our core business,” said CEO Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer.