Danobatgroup sets a new turnover record of €344 M in 2024

The Basque industrial group Danobatgroup, a leading machine tool manufacturer, has achieved a new record turnover of €344 million in 2024, further consolidating its leadership in a context marked by growing geopolitical tensions, market uncertainties, and a global economic slowdown.

This morning, Nerea Aranguren, CEO of Danobatgroup, presented the results of the past year and outlined the main strategic lines that will define the group's roadmap for the coming years.

In economic terms, 2024 was another milestone year, with a 2% increase in turnover compared to 2023 (€337 million), and an export rate exceeding 90%, with Danobat and Soraluce as the group’s leading brands in international markets.

While Danobatgroup's presence in established markets such as Germany (8.5% of total exports) and China (5.8%) declined due to varying economic and political conditions, markets like the United States (15.4%), France (5%), and Italy (7.9%) experienced growth in 2024. The aerospace sector (29.9%) also saw significant growth, nearing the levels of capital goods and general engineering (35.2%), which remains the group’s primary sector.

Exports to the United States, France, and Italy increase, while the aerospace sector saw a significant growth in 2024.

Other sectors in which the group was active in 2024 include rail (5.2%), energy (7.4%), and automotive (6.6%), where Danobatgroup continues to operate despite ongoing uncertainty in the electric vehicle market.

Investment in R&D&I exceeded 9% of sales, reinforcing the group’s commitment to technological innovation, largely driven by the work of IDEKO, Danobatgroup’s innovation engine and a key player in developing and transferring technology to its businesses. The year closed with 46 active patents—two more than in the previous year.

In terms of employment, Danobatgroup ended 2024 with a stable workforce of 1,459 people, including 1,032 in the Basque Autonomous Community, spread across its facilities in the Gipuzkoan towns of Itziar, Elgoibar and Bergara.

Investments in excess of €80 million

2024 also marked the completion of the investment cycle defined by Danobatgroup's previous strategic plan. More than €80 million has been invested to upgrade the infrastructure and capabilities of the group’s three companies: Danobat, Soraluce and Goimek.

More than €80 million invested in recent years has equipped Danobatgroup companies with state-of-the-art facilities and capabilities to meet future challenges.

“Thanks to the strategic investments we have made, we are now in an optimal position to face the challenges of the new cycle, which is expected to be more uncertain due to the geopolitical climate—without the need for major additional investment,” explains Nerea Aranguren.

As a result, the group now operates with a total of 52,000 m² of production space in the Basque Country, equipped with cutting-edge technology and machinery, alongside newly implemented energy efficiency measures—ready to tackle increasingly demanding projects.

A New Strategic Plan

With enhanced capacities and infrastructure and a strong portfolio of high-potential projects, Danobatgroup enters 2025 with a positive outlook, as it launches its new strategic plan.

A solid order book with ambitious projects points to a positive outlook for 2025, the year Danobatgroup launches its new strategic plan.

“In this new cycle, we aim to advance together as a group, focusing on four main pillars: technological innovation, servitisation, diversification, and internationalisation, with artificial intelligence, sustainability, and talent as cross-cutting themes,” explains Aranguren.

Early milestones of the year, such as the launch of a new range of precision robots by Danobat and Danobatgroup's investment in the Swiss start-up SAEKI, clearly reflect the group’s intention to explore new market niches and diversify its advanced manufacturing offering, while remaining attentive to industry trends and the needs of its immediate environment.

“As a cooperative group, our goal remains to create high-quality jobs and promote the economic and social development of our community. We believe the strategic priorities we have set will allow us to keep growing, innovating, and strengthening our position in the global market, while continuing to generate quality cooperative employment in the Basque Country and deliver value to the Basque society”, concludes Aranguren.

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