“In view of the challenging market environment, the BÜFA Group performed robustly overall and closed the 2024 financial year with a satisfactory result. Against the backdrop of economic weakness, particularly in Germany but also in Europe, we are therefore very satisfied with the result,”
said CFO Ralf Ramke.
Ralf Ramke, CFO, BÜFA Group; Felix Thalmann, CEO, BÜFA Group; Krzysztof Bargiel, production manager, BÜFA Composite Systems © Bilderwerk / Sven Seebergen
The BÜFA Group’s consolidated turnover amounted to €333 million. The continuing weak market environment had a dampening effect on demand during the 2024 financial year. As a result, sales volumes declined in some business areas. The chemicals division was an exception, with volumes increasing compared to the previous year. This compensated for the decline in other divisions and increased the total group volume by 5% overall.
“Despite the challenging market conditions, we were also able to maintain our operating result (EBIT) at a reasonable level overall,”
explains Ramke.
“At the same time, BÜFA remains in a very solid financial position – the equity ratio across the group is around 60% of total assets.”
An expanded market presence
“The BÜFA Group was able to maintain its market share through continuous expansion in selected European markets and the development of new sales regions. With a broad product and service portfolio and a Europe-wide sales initiative, we succeeded in securing existing customer relationships while also providing new impetus with innovative solutions,”
adds Felix Thalmann, CEO of the BÜFA Group.
In addition to expanding its market presence through BÜFA Composites Nordics in Scandinavia and taking over direct sales in France, the BÜFA Group has also introduced the new sustainable product line BÜFA®-future in the composites sector. This label covers selected products that meet particularly high environmental standards. The range includes styrene-reduced and styrene-free solutions, bio-based raw materials, materials with recycled content and special resins for flame-retardant or conductive applications such as FireStop Gelcoat.
“The targeted placement of innovative, sustainable products is a central component of our corporate strategy – because sustainability remains a decisive factor for customers and markets,”
Thalmann is convinced.
In the cleaning business segment, the expansion of the stake in the MacSerien Group, which began last year, was successfully completed: following the acquisition of 25% of the shares in 2023, the company was completely taken over in 2024. MacSerien has a main production site in Sweden and several sales offices in Scandinavia, among other locations. The product range includes applications for vehicle cleaning, water treatment, catering and other industrial applications. As part of the integration, BÜFA plans to introduce additional products and concepts in the vehicle cleaning sector in Germany and the Netherlands.
Political and economic uncertainties
The chemical trading business continues to be particularly affected by political and economic uncertainties, leading to subdued expectations in this segment. Nevertheless, the chemicals division achieved higher sales volumes overall. Trade in products for the agricultural and food industries also developed positively. The high import quota from Asia and the resulting low-price level had a significant negative impact on the trading margin.
“Given the current conditions in Europe and abroad, there are no clear signs of noticeable growth at present,”
summarises CFO Ralf Ramke.
“We are therefore looking with interest at the German government’s announced infrastructure programme, which could create new economic incentives,”
he adds.
At the same time, the Oldenburg-based family-owned company believes that there is a need for a reliable economic policy framework in Germany – for example, through the reduction of bureaucracy – as well as a conflict-free and open international environment.
“In order to actively counteract the subdued economic development, we are focusing on a targeted market development strategy, the expansion of innovative, sustainable product solutions and ongoing internationalisation. Another important component is the increased use of artificial intelligence in the context of digital transformation – for example, to increase efficiency, optimise processes and target customers more effectively,”
says Felix Thalmann, explaining BÜFA’s activities.
about BÜFA
The BÜFA Group is an independent, medium-sized company in the chemical industry. The family-owned company, based in Oldenburg, has its roots in a business founded in 1883 that traded in coloured woods, oils and chemicals. Today, BÜFA offers a wide range of products and services internationally in its 3 business areas: chemicals, cleaning and composites. Our customers include companies in the food processing, textile, industrial and vehicle cleaning, wind energy, rail and commercial vehicle industries, as well as boat and shipbuilding.
The BÜFA Group currently employs 755 people. In 2024, BÜFA achieved a turnover of €333 million. Anchored in its corporate principles, BÜFA is strictly guided by the principle of sustainability. BÜFA is committed to “New Chemistry” and combines economic efficiency with social responsibility.
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