Industrial Door Market in Decline: Economic Challenges Hit Austria and Germany, but Switzerland Soars

Interconnection Consulting, a leading market research institute, has published its latest study “Industrial Doors in Europe 2024,” which reveals that the industrial door market in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland continues its decline with -2.3% drop-in units sold and a -0.6% contraction in market value. The study highlights a stark contrast between the countries: while Germany and Austria face continued declines driven by economic uncertainty and ripple effects from related industries, Switzerland defies the trend, showing growth in both units sold and market value, driven by a robust economy and a dynamic construction sector.

2024 marks another year of decline for the industrial door market in the region, with economic headwinds from inflation, rising material costs, and a slowdown in construction projects. While the market has struggled to recover post-pandemic, growth is expected to resume by 2026, as the construction sector stabilizes and consumer confidence improves. By 2027, the market is projected to reach €892 million, growing at an average rate of 4.3% per year. The competitive landscape is further complicated by the influx of low-cost producers from Asia, which has intensified price competition, forcing European manufacturers to innovate and reduce costs.

The poor performance of the construction sector has further exacerbated the market’s struggles, as new projects have slowed, and major infrastructure developments remain on hold. The resulting price war, triggered by the entry of low-cost producers from Asia, has forced manufacturers to lower prices despite increasing raw material costs. This has squeezed profit margins, leading to tighter pricing strategies and a downward trend in the market.

Despite these challenges, industrial door producers have shown resilience by doubling down on innovation. Companies are focusing on developing new materials and compounds that can reduce costs for consumers, while investing heavily in digital solutions. These innovations include smart access systems, advanced remote monitoring and automation via mobile devices, and security technologies that integrate facial recognition and artificial intelligence.

In terms of market segmentation, sectional doors remain the market leader with a 58.0% share, followed by high-speed doors at 17.0% and rolling doors in third place. Steel continues to be the dominant material, making up 64.7% of the market, with an expected increase to 65.2% by 2027. Direct distribution channels maintain a commanding 86.9% share of the market, while renovation projects slightly outpace new installations, accounting for 50.4% of total sales.

The dominance of large multinational companies like Hörmann, ASSA Abloy, Novoferm, Domoferm, Teckentrup, Condoor, and Ryterna is becoming more apparent, as these firms control 74.3% of the market. Their scale and resources allow them to weather economic downturns more effectively, maintaining market share through innovation and diversified product lines. In contrast, small and medium-sized companies have been hit harder by the crisis, struggling with tighter margins and fewer resources to compete in a price-sensitive market. These smaller players are focusing on technological advancements and product innovations to overcome the current slump.

The findings are based on a comprehensive survey of over 2,200 producers, distributors, and industry experts across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.