Annual Report 2021
Concrete industry back on track
After a sharp downturn in 2020, the concrete industry began growing again in 2021. In line with the industry trend, Liebherr achieved increases in turnover in the concrete technology product segment in all regions.
In the European Union, increases in Belgium and Austria compensated for a decline in turnover in Germany. Strong growth impetus in non-EU countries was generated in Russia, Norway and the United Kingdom. In North, Central and South America, the upward trend was mainly driven by significant growth in the USA, Brazil and Chile. Liebherr also achieved slight growth in Africa and the Near and Middle East. In Asia and Oceania, the decline in turnover in China was offset by growth in Thailand and Bangladesh. All product areas (truck mixers, mixing plants and concrete pumps), contributed to the positive development, with sales of crawler concrete pumps being particularly noteworthy.
The ETM series makes the dream of quiet, zero-emissions concrete transport a reality
Focus on workplace safety and carbon reduction
The concrete technology product segment reached an important milestone last year with the launch of the 36 XXT truck-mounted concrete pump. The truck is mounted on a 3-axle chassis, making it exceptionally manoeuvrable. The distribution boom is flush with the hopper, which shortens the machine and thus improves manoeuvrability on narrow construction sites and in road traffic.
The delivery of the first two all-electric truck mixers on 5-axle chassis marked another highlight in this product segment. These two mixers from the ETM series, with 10 and 12 m³ drums, each save 30 to 40 tonnes of CO₂ annually – a powerful contribution to reducing emissions. Thanks to their large battery capacity, an overnight charge is easily sufficient for a full day of operation. Liebherr also focused on optimizing worksite safety with its truck mixer range. In the future, all truck mixers in Europe will be equipped with rear area monitoring, working headlights for the rear area and a fall arrest system.
Various R&D projects were conducted, including in the area of sensor technologies. One example is the modular WMS II sensor series for measuring water content, pressure and temperature (e.g. in oils and break bulk). The new sensors also feature an innovative technology for measuring pressure. Investment activities in 2021 were dominated by the founding of a new production site in Plovdiv (Bulgaria). The new site will supply production in Bad Schussenried (Germany) with pre-assemblies for truck mixers.
With order volumes already high for the year ahead, Liebherr expects further growth in the concrete technology product segment. This prospect could, however, be affected by the war in Ukraine and the associated fallout.