"Hydraulics are irreplaceable"
Interview with Daniel Siefert, Sales Manager DACH at HYDRO LEDUC GmbH
For over 85 years, HYDRO LEDUC has been developing innovative hydraulic solutions – from its origins in aerospace technology to its current specialization in mobile hydraulics and electromobility. The French company not only impresses with a clear innovation strategy, but also with technical depth and personal contact with its customers. Sales Manager DACH Daniel Siefert explains how HYDRO LEDUC continues to grow continuously even in economically challenging times.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Siefert, HYDRO LEDUC has a long history. What do you consider to be the key milestones?
Daniel Siefert: The company was founded in 1938 in France – initially in the field of aviation and microhydraulics. Mobile hydraulics were added later. Today, we manufacture modular hydraulic components that are very well suited for new applications – such as in electromobility. Establishing our German subsidiary in Schutterwald was an important step towards internationalization.
Wirtschaftsforum: How is HYDRO LEDUC structured today?
Daniel Siefert: We are a French company with around 430 employees worldwide, including seven in our German sales subsidiary here in Schutterwald. From here, we serve the DACH region and the Czech Republic. Production takes place exclusively in France and the USA, but HYDRO LEDUC has sales subsidiaries in the Benelux countries, Scandinavia, Spain, Italy, North America, and China. Sales in other countries are handled by sales partners.
Wirtschaftsforum: You are the Sales Director for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. What role does the DACH region play in international business?
Daniel Siefert: Indeed, it plays a central role, as although France is our largest market, the DACH region and North America are neck and neck in terms of revenue. We generate around 9.5 million EUR in revenue in the DACH region—with an upward trend. Overall, HYDRO LEDUC was able to achieve an annual revenue of 78 million EUR in 2024—our record year so far. 2025 also looks very promising. Our goal is to break the 100 million EUR mark in the next year or the year after.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you explain this success, especially in these economically difficult times?
Daniel Siefert: It is certainly due to new products as part of our entry into electromobility, but also because we have been able to win over large new customers—partly because our production is located in Europe. We also score with our short supply chains and high manufacturing depth. The combination of all these factors is a real competitive advantage.
Wirtschaftsforum: What products exactly are involved?
Daniel Siefert: Our main products are axial piston pumps and motors, as well as pressure accumulators. We are currently experiencing a lot of demand, especially in the field of electromobility. Although the numbers are still low, we expect strong growth. Being able to offer electric motors, inverters, and hydraulic systems all from a single source makes us a flexible partner for many customers.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you manage communication in such a complex technical environment?
Daniel Siefert: On the one hand, we are present on platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube, and on the other hand, we use trade fairs such as bauma or Agritechnica for personal contact and customer communication. The personal relationship remains crucial in B2B business, which is why our field service plays an important role: our employees personally present new products to customers because these innovations, especially in the area of electrification, require explanation. Here, the personal conversation cannot be replaced by anything.
Wirtschaftsforum: What vision do you have for your company in the coming years, where do you want to lead it?
Daniel Siefert: We are currently working on a new roadmap up to 2030. One thing is clear: we want to continue to grow – with new products in the field of electrification and a possible expansion of the production area. The demand for flexible, efficient solutions is constantly increasing.
Wirtschaftsforum: A personal question to conclude: What motivates you personally in your work?
Daniel Siefert: I lived in Paris for two and a half years, speak fluent French, and thus have a penchant for France – and I love the exchange between cultures and collaboration. The other thing is the topic of hydraulics: an exciting and also crisis-proof field, as hydraulic applications and functions are indispensable in so many areas; they cannot simply be replaced by something else. Just as an internal combustion engine can be replaced by an electric motor – that's not possible with hydraulic applications. Due to the diversity of the industries in which we operate, the work remains exciting all the time!