Zirndorf, May 2024. The Horst Brandstätter Group with its business units Playmobil and Lechuza is optimistic about the financial year that began on April 1 (April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025). The "Heading into the future" strategy presented by Playmobil at the toy fair in Nuremberg in January and the consistently implemented consolidation measures are having an impact. After two difficult years, Playmobil has a positive forecast for the coming months. The strict cost management in the production plants has also led to significant savings and a reduction in inventory levels without jeopardizing delivery ability.
On April 17, the company announced that the entire product creation and product development process had been reorganized under the new "Playmobil International GmbH" at the Zirndorf location.
The traditional brand, which is celebrating its 50th birthday this year, is being made future-proof with innovative products, new collaborations and additional target groups such as toddlers and kidults.
The first measures in 2024 are the launch of "PLAYMOBIL Junior" made entirely of plant-based materials, the expansion of the range for adults with so-called "collectibles" - collector's toys - in high quality and originality, as well as cooperations and alliances with well-known brands.
For the European Football Championship in Germany, there will be a major cooperation with the German Football Association and EDEKA to get young and old in the mood for the home European Championship starting on June 14th.
In August 2023, the Horst Brandstätter Group's management was reorganized. Three equal board members are currently systematically implementing the necessary steps to consolidate the group of companies due to falling sales, with measures such as cost savings and staff reductions. In the 2022/2023 financial year, the Horst Brandstätter Group's sales fell to 571 million euros. In the 2023/2024 financial year, sales amounted to around 490 million euros.
Like most companies, the Horst Brandstätter Group is suffering from the weak economy, stubborn inflation, rising wage, transportation and energy costs, but also from the slump in consumption and reluctance to buy.
Given the tough times for companies, many leading companies in Germany are currently having to cut jobs. The Horst Brandstätter Group has already cut a large proportion of the 700 jobs announced worldwide since October 2023.
The company will continue to maintain its production sites in Germany and Europe.