Krones targets US$7.99B revenue by 2028
Krones outlines its 2028 revenue and margin targets, backed by global demand for beverage packaging systems, strong order backlog, and expansion across key international markets.
GERMANY – German packaging and beverage systems manufacturer Krones has set a medium-term target of around €7 billion (US$7.99B) in revenue by 2028, alongside an EBITDA margin goal of 11% to 13%, supported by steady beverage demand, strong market positioning and expanding production capacity.
The company outlined its growth strategy, regional expansion plans and financial outlook during a market presentation led by Olaf Scholz, Head of Group Treasury and Investor Relations.
Scholz described Krones as the global leader in filling and packaging systems for beverages across PET plastic, cans and glass. He said water is the company’s largest segment, accounting for around 40% of sales, followed by carbonated soft drinks, while beer remains a notable but smaller part of the business.
“Machines from Krones are installed all over the world,” Scholz said, adding that only a few small countries do not require full-scale filling and packaging systems.
Krones generated about €5.6 billion (US$6.39B) in sales in 2025, with an EBITDA margin of 10.6% and EBITDA slightly above €600 million (US$684.65M). Scholz noted that the order backlog remains strong at more than €4 billion (US$4.56B), even as the book-to-bill ratio was slightly below one.
He said filling and packaging systems account for roughly 80% of revenue, while process technology contributes about 10%, and intralogistics represents a smaller portion of the business.
The company operates across all major global regions. Scholz said Krones is the market leader in China for hygienic high-speed bottling lines but remains broadly diversified across Asia-Pacific, which represents a larger share of regional sales.
In the Middle East and Africa, including countries such as Nigeria and Uganda, Krones works with both global customers and local producers, supported by more than 800 employees in the region and around 1,300 in Asia-Pacific.
In the Americas, he said South American growth is driven mainly by Brazil and Mexico, with Mexico serving as an export hub for the United States. U.S. revenue share has declined but remains stable relative to overall growth.
Sustainability is a key growth driver, particularly after Krones’ acquisition of Swiss company Netstal in 2024, which expanded its capabilities across the PET lifecycle, including injection moulding, blow moulding, filling, packaging and recycling technologies.
“Customer demand is driven by both sustainability targets and cost savings,” Scholz said, noting reductions in energy, water, plastic use and labour costs.
Krones is investing in global expansion, with about two-thirds of production in Germany and the remainder in Hungary, China, the U.S. and Italy. The company is investing €50 million in a U.S. logistics centre and expanding production in China and India, with contributions expected from 2027.
Scholz reiterated guidance for 3% to 5% sales growth and an EBITDA margin of 10.7% to 11.1%, with return on capital employed of 19% to 20%, adding that performance is expected to strengthen in the second half of the year.
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