Disruptions to global supply chains, however, increased steadily over the course of the year and also placed a noticeable burden on production in the Rosenbauer Group in the form of poor material availability, delayed deliveries and material price increases. During the fourth quarter, it became clear that we would have to adjust our annual targets for 2021 in response to shifts in sales and cost increases. In a historically unique situation, we ultimately achieved revenues of € 975.1 million and EBIT of € 35.0 million.

All the more impressive in this difficult supply situation was the success of our initiative to reduce the cash conversion cycle, i.e. total asset management required for operations. With a € 122 million reduction in total assets over the past 18 months, all project targets were achieved and an enormously important contribution was made to a stable financial structure.

It was also particularly pleasing that our international service and sales locations not only developed business well in times of limited travel opportunities but also delivered a very satisfactory contribution to profits.

The year 2021 marks the beginning of a decade of technological transformation. Rosenbauer will play an active formative role in shaping this within the fire services. Supported by the Austrian State Prize for Innovation, the successful marketing of our “Revolutionary Technology” (RT) firefighting vehicle of the future was launched. The first fleet order was completed with the Basel-Stadt professional fire department, and the US model variants were brought to series maturity. The first electric aerial ladder – an L32A-XS on a Volvo FE Electric – will enter service in Switzerland, and we intend to offer a vehicle with an alternative drive in every product category as early as next year.

In 2021, we developed our long-term strategy for the next ten years under the title “Rosenbauer City 2030”. As the world’s only group focusing exclusively on firefighting, we not only will remain loyal to our industry but are also prepared to assume even greater responsibility for the development of the fire services. With our focus on people and sustainability as a core value, we look beyond the boundaries of the company and will solve the pressing issues of technology, climate policy and social change together with our customers.

There is no question that a focus on the profitability of our company is of paramount importance. Following the difficult 2021 financial year, we will initially focus on operational excellence. Our employees, to whom I would like to extend my very special thanks here as I do every year, are just as entitled to a healthy, stable company as you, our loyal shareholders.

In gratitude for your confidence in a successful future for the Rosenbauer Group, we will again be paying an attractive dividend for 2021, albeit one that is adjusted to the result. I am delighted that you will be joining us on our path toward a decade of responsibility!