Safety-related automation specialist's growth.

International presence, digital and solution expertise further expanded.

Despite a challenging market environment, the HIMA Group has continued its growth in 2025. Revenue rose by 2.4 percent to 190.5 million euros. The Group was thus able to continue its growth course even in an environment marked by geopolitical uncertainties, investment caution, and regional market weakness.

The positive revenue trend was particularly driven by international expansion. This offset declines caused by market weakness in the process industry within the DACH home market. At the same time, negative currency effects weighed on growth outside the eurozone. Order intake declined slightly due to subdued investment activity in many markets.

LtoR: Jörg de la Motte (CEO), Steffen Philipp (Shareholder), Dr. Michael Löbig (CFO)

“We have achieved slight growth in a significantly more challenging environment. This demonstrates the resilience of our business model,” says Jörg de la Motte, CEO of the HIMA Group. “At the same time, we see that investment decisions are taking longer in many markets and that some projects are being postponed. This makes it all the more important that we have systematically expanded our international presence, our digital capabilities, and our role as a solutions provider.”

Regionally, dependence on the domestic market (DACH) continued to decline. The DACH region’s share of revenue stood at 21 percent, compared to 24 percent in the previous year. Other EU countries contributed 19 percent, Asia-Pacific 16 percent, the Middle East 13 percent, the United Kingdom and Norway 12 percent each, and the Americas 7 percent. As a result, HIMA now generates 79 percent of its revenue outside the DACH region.

“We recorded slight revenue growth, but at the same time, we are taking the decline in order intake dynamics very seriously,” explains Dr. Michael Löbig, CFO of the HIMA Group. “We are planning for further revenue growth in 2026, but from today’s perspective, we cannot yet fully confirm this growth path. In light of geopolitical risks, currency effects, and investment reluctance in certain markets, we remain cautious.”

Sustainability.
A key milestone is the publication of the HIMA Group’s first sustainability report for the 2025 fiscal year. Although the company is not subject to mandatory reporting requirements, the report summarizes its commitment to environmental, social responsibility, and corporate governance activities.

“As a family-owned business, HIMA pursues economic, environmental, and social goals to operate successfully and responsibly in the long term while creating sustainable prospects for the next generation,” explains Steffen Philipp, shareholder of the HIMA Group. “From a shareholder’s perspective, sustainable, profitable growth is a decisive factor in this regard.”

Global initiatives include measures to reduce CO₂ emissions, more sustainable trade show concepts, electric vehicle charging stations for employees, local environmental and community projects, as well as programs for employee development, diversity, and compliance.

Integration of Sella Controls and Origo Solutions.
The HIMA Group’s strategic development in 2025 was characterized by internationalization, digitalization, and the expansion of solution expertise. The integration of Sella Controls, which has been part of the HIMA Group since February 2023, has been successfully completed. Sella Controls is positioned within the Group as a center of excellence for rail technology. Key project milestones include the completion of the Nexus Tyne & Wear Metro SCADA modernization project in Newcastle and a contract to modernize the railway infrastructure at the Chemelot Industrial Park in the Netherlands.

The integration of Origo Solutions, which has been part of the HIMA Group since February 2024, is also well advanced and more than 90 percent complete. Origo Solutions particularly strengthens the Group’s presence in Scandinavia while enhancing its expertise in traditional and renewable energy markets. With the new HIMA Digital unit, the digitalization strategy is also entering its next phase under the motto #safetygoesdigital.

International expansion and strategic partnerships.
International expansion has also continued to advance. In China, the new headquarters in Shanghai was officially opened in December 2025. Following the opening of HIMA India in November 2024, the company’s presence will be further expanded in the near future. In Latin America, HIMA opened new entities in Colombia and Peru. Colombia serves as a hub in Latin America with a focus on the process industry, while the branch in Lima supports projects in Peru and neighboring countries.

Expanding strategic partnerships remains a key component of the strategy to become a solutions provider. Collaboration with genua in the HIMA Security Lab has been intensified. Together with Samson, HIMA is developing joint HIPS and pipeline management solutions for the hydrocarbon and chemical industries. The long-standing collaboration with Valmet is being further deepened in the energy, pulp, and paper sectors. Together with Hilscher, HIMA combines functional safety with industrial communication for embedded systems. In collaboration with DEUTA-Werke, the SafeHMI solution—powered by IconTrust—was developed to enhance operator and display safety in the process industry and rail sector; it is fully integrated into the HIMA Safety Platform.

Further opportunities.
For the current fiscal year, the HIMA Group continues to anticipate a challenging environment. Geopolitical conflicts, currency effects, and investment caution may delay or postpone projects and services. At the same time, HIMA sees long-term opportunities, particularly in investments in energy infrastructure, renewable energy, hydrogen, pipeline expansions, and the digitalization of safety-critical processes.

With HIMA Digital, the HIMA Group is consolidating its expertise in digital solutions. At the heart of this is hima360, an independent, open digital platform based on SCADA+ that connects safety-related data, applications, and services across the safety lifecycle.

“The market environment remains volatile,” says Jörg de la Motte. “At the same time, the demand for functional safety, OT security, and digital solutions is growing. This is exactly where we’re focusing our efforts with the new HIMA Digital unit.”

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#Hima #PAuto  #Safety

New CEO for control & automation group.

Carl Ramsden has been appointed CEO of Sella Controls – A HIMA Company*. This newly created position represents an important milestone in the further integration of the British company into the HIMA Group.

Carl Ramsden

With Carl Ramsden, the HIMA Group gains an experienced leader. He brings more than 20 years of international leadership and financial expertise from the industrial and technology sectors, including senior positions at a chemical company and an automation manufacturer. He has worked on both the manufacturing and end-customer fronts, giving him a comprehensive understanding of both perspectives within the industrial value chain.

As CEO of Sella Controls, Carl Ramsden will assume overall responsibility of the company and will lead it alongside Chris Parr (CTO) and Eddy Turnock (CSO). Carl will also take on the responsibilities previously held by John Blackwell, who will retire as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on October 31, 2025 after many years of service.

Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group, said: "We are delighted to have Carl Ramsden, an experienced and strategic manager, join us in this key position. With his expertise and clear value-driven leadership style, Carl Ramsden will further accelerate growth in the process and rail industries in the UK and Ireland and help us to further expand our global position as a solutions provider."

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* Sella Controls was acquired by the HIMA Group in February 2023 following a long-standing partnership.

#Hima #Sella #Safety #PAuto #Britain

Safety Symposium.

The HIMA Group, a global leader in safety-related automation solutions, proudly marked a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of Sella Controls. On October 9, 2024, a safety symposium was held in Birmingham to commemorate this achievement, honouring Sella Controls' journey from its modest beginnings in Whaley Bridge to its status as a leader in safety and control systems, now part of the HIMA Group.

Sella Controls, acquired by HIMA in February 2023 after a long-standing partnership, played a pivotal role in enhancing HIMA’s portfolio, especially in the railway sector, while also expanding the business in the process industry in Britain and Ireland. Over the past five decades, Sella Controls has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and safety, making significant contributions to projects across multiple sectors, including rail, oil and gas, and petrochemicals.

Celebrating the Achievements, Envisioning the Future
With locations in Stockport and Ashby (GB), currently Sella Controls hosts 131 staff members across the two sites. Sella Controls acts today as the regional centre for the HIMA Group in Britain and as Global Centre of Excellence for rail activities.

LtoR: Dr. Michael Löbig (CFO at HIMA Group), Steffen Philipp (Shareholder of HIMA Group), Rachael Benson (nee Lardner), Trish Lardner, Jörg de la Motte (CEO at HIMA Group).

The family of one the founders, Terry Lardner, attended the 50th celebrations. Trish Lardner, the wife of Terry, and their daughter Rachael attended the Safety Symposium in Birmingham, together with various customers, partners and friends of Sella Controls.

The Safety Symposium reflected on Sella Controls’ rich history, including its transformation into a key player in the safety sector. Notable speakers from HIMA, Sella Controls, and key customers addressed how the collaboration had propelled both companies into new markets and technological frontiers.

• Steffen Philipp, Shareholder of HIMA Group, discussed the history and partnership between the two companies.
• Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group, focused on the strategic growth opportunities that resulted from the acquisition.
• Dr. Michael Löbig, CFO of HIMA Group, shared insights on the investment strategy and future growth plans.
• Chris Parr, CTO of Sella Controls, spoke about the technological evolution and innovation at Sella Controls.

In addition, industry leaders such as Rob Stockham, Director from GI Systems and Mark O’Neill, Technical Director and Jorge Santos, Project Director at Amey Rail Limited, discussed key projects and the integral role Sella Controls had played in advancing safety and control solutions in both the process and rail sectors.

Steffen Philipp, Shareholder of the HIMA Group, highlighted the enduring relationship between the two companies: “HIMA and Sella Controls shared a long-standing and close partnership, built on safety excellence, shared values and vision. To become an integral part of the HIMA Group has been a logical next step for Sella Controls and it represents a key milestone in HIMA’s company history.”

Chris Parr, CTO of Sella Controls remarked “ Reaching our 50 years milestones is a huge achievement for Sella Controls. Over this period, we have significantly contributed to the safety and operability of our client’s assets through a combination of technical innovation and functional safety expertise. We look forward to the next 50 years as an integral part of HIMA group.”

The future.
For the past 50 years, Sella Controls positioned itself as a future-oriented and growing company. With new solutions, such as digital rail solutions showcased for the first time at InnoTrans 2024, they enriched HIMA’s portfolio. They strengthened the HIMA Group’s position as a technology partner for the global railway industry.

Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition: “Thanks to Sella Controls HIMA’s Products- and Solutions Portfolio is now much broader, especially in the Rail sector. The related R&D activities at Sella Controls in the UK will be further expanded to accelerate the time-to-market, in line with the customer requirements.”

Dr. Michael Löbig, CFO of HIMA Group, pointed at the good results and achievements of the integration process: “Major activities as e.g. the complete IT-integration have already been completed within year 1. Sella Controls’ business and team are continuing on a solid growth path. HIMA Group will make additional investments to develop the company forward, as a Top Service provider and Top Employer in business.” 

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@sellacontrols #Hima #Safety #PAuto

System integrator acquired.

Safety-related automation solutions specialists, the HIMA Group, has acquired the British system integrator Sella Controls. Representatives of both companies signed an agreement recently in Manchester (GB). Both companies intend to continue their growth strategies and expand their range of solutions for railway technology and the process industry following this agreement.

LtoR: Jörg de la Motte, Eddy Turnock, Ian Wright, Steffen Philipp, Chris Parr, Dr. Michael Löbig, John Blackwell 

"HIMA has had a long-standing and close relationship with Sella Controls and shares the same vision and values. With Sella Controls the HIMA Group will accelerate its international expansion and strengthen its global competitiveness," said Steffen Philipp, Shareholder HIMA Group. 

HIMA and Sella Controls will maintain their focus on safety-related automation, control solutions and the digitalisation of functional safety. "The acquisition of Sella Controls is an important milestone in our HIMA growth strategy. By joining our forces we will enhance our global position as a leading supplier for safety-related automation solutions for the process and rail industries", stated Jörg de la Motte, CEO HIMA Group.

Sella Controls is in a leading market position in Britain and Ireland. In particular, Sella Controls' expertise and portfolio of solutions in the rail sector is an excellent addition for HIMA, which intends to push ahead and market internationally. Business in the process industry is also to be further expanded in these countries. One focus here is the digitalisation of functional safety, which HIMA is pushing under the motto "Safety goes digital".

HIMA's existing customers will benefit from even more intensive support as a result of the acquisition, while Sella Controls' customers will benefit from a larger service portfolio.

HIMA will ensure continuity of the management: John Blackwell (CFO) and Eddy Turnock (CSO), both previous owners, will continue to lead Sella Controls. In addition, Chris Parr, who previously led the Process Division at Sella Controls, will join the Management Board as CTO.

Sella Controls' 118 employees will be retained and additional hires are planned. The three locations will also be retained. Sella Controls has two divisions: the "Centre of Excellence Rail Solutions" with locations in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Coalville, near Leicester, and the "Process Solutions" division, which is based in Stockport near Manchester. The company will continue to trade under the name "Sella Controls" with the addition of "A HIMA Company".

"It’s a Win-Win-Situation for HIMA and Sella Controls, with multiple synergies: HIMA will benefit from the long-term experience of Sella Controls in the development of solutions for the rail industry and we at Sella Controls will be able to utilize HIMA’s global sales and service to boost our international business," said Eddy Turnock, CSO Sella Controls.

"As a family-owned company, the HIMA Group is long-term oriented and stands for customer orientation, sustainable growth and people-focus. That’s why HIMA is offering great opportunities for further development of the Sella Controls team," added John Blackwell, CFO Sella Controls.

"The investment in Sella Controls is a clear signal that growth by acquisition is an important element of the HIMA growth strategy," said Dr. Michael Löbig, CFO HIMA Group. 

#Hima #Sella #Safety #PAuto
 

Expansion in Britain

Despite Britain's continuing economic downturn, Hima-Sella is expanding its operations there by opening two new offices, one in Ashby de la Zouch in the East Midlands and one in Aberdeen, in Scotland in recognition of the importance of its key customers in rail and oil & gas sectors.

Customers rely on Hima-Sella for its expertise in engineering safety, control and automation systems and moving closer geographically brings many benefits. Hima-Sella’s managing director Ian Wright comments,

“Having two new offices in locations nearer to key customers makes good business sense. The efficiency savings we’ll make by cutting travelling time and reducing our carbon footprint are substantial, so everyone gains as a result. Many of our engineers and account managers spend hours travelling to visit customers. We’re looking at new ways that take staff well-being into account yet maintain the service excellence that we know our customers value.”

In Ashby de la Zouch, in Leicestershire, Hima-Sella’s moving into a brand new, low-energy building on the Ivanhoe Business Park. Near to Derby and the rail industry hub, this establishes a convenient East Midlands base for Hima-Sella, close to all the main rail companies in the Britain, easily accessible by road and an hour away from London by train.

Anwar Hussain at Salloway Property Consultants comments, "This sale is the last of all the properties in the Clowes Development at Ivanhoe Business Park. We’re delighted to see Hima-Sella establishing a regional presence here in the East Midlands."
The Ashby office is being fitted out this month with plans for staff in the transportation and automated engineering team to be in place by July. With two new office locations, technology such as video conferencing will be used to improve business efficiency and reduce the amount of time spent travelling.

The office in Aberdeen (see pic) is located at the Energy Industries Council’s (EIC) Carden Place premises at the heart of the energy capital of Europe, which hosts Offshore Europe and is home to many oil companies and energy-related contractors, suppliers, agencies, government bodies and research organisations.

Hima-Sella remains 100% committed to its Stockport headquarters, being refurbished over the summer with a new reception area, enhanced office accommodation and improved catering facilities for the firm’s 100-strong staff.

Wright adds, “We’re strongly committed to taking Hima-Sella forward as planned this year and these two additional office locations will help us to capitalise on our growing reputation and credibility with key customers. Opening new offices closer to customers, combined with the enhancement of our existing Stockport site gives us the ability to accommodate future expansion.”

Safety management certified

Three of the newly certified engineers at Hima-Sella: (from left) Chris Parr,Carl Toft, James Hibbert

Four engineers at systems integration specialist Hima-Sella have successfully completed the TÜV Functional Safety (FS) Certification Course, led by global functional safety expert Clive Timms.

To achieve certification, James Hibbert, Tim Marsden, Chris Parr and Carl Toft all completed an intensive three day course and gruelling four hour exam. The prestigious TÜV FS Engineer certification equips participants with the knowledge to fully understand and master the application, principles and requirements of IEC 61508 (functional safety of electrical, electronic and programmable electronic safety systems) and IEC 61511 (functional safety: safety instrumented systems for the process sector).

Hima-Sella’s functional management safety team now comprises Nigel Banner and Ian Parry, both TÜV certified in 2008, James Hibbert and Chris Williams. In recognition of certification, Marsden, Parr and Toft are appointed as Principal Engineers , joining the team to provide advice and technical expertise in-house at Hima-Sella and externally to clients.

Hima-Sella managing director Ian Wright comments, “Congratulations to all four engineers on their recent successes. Strengthening our functional safety management team by appointing engineers with the highest standard of safety expertise and knowledge underscores our commitment to provide the most reliable safety solutions in key industries such as nuclear and oil & gas.”

As well as its success with TÜV certification, at the annual Hazardex awards held in Harrogate (GB) in February, Hima-Sella was one of two runners up in the User Application category for designing and commissioning the first HIMax safety system in Britain at a major UK refinery.

6 Appointments

Six new appointments boost safety capability

Systems integration specialist Hima-Sella has appointed Neil Hibbert (right) as Key Account Manager for Safety and Control, Nathan George as Sales Applications Engineer, John Chadwick as Technical Support Group Supervisor and is currently recruiting three full-time Principal Engineers to boost its existing functional safety management team, based in Stockport (GB).

In his new key account role, Neil Hibbert will focus on safety-related projects in oil and gas and other industries and on safety-critical applications using HIMax such as emergency shutdown systems (ESD), fire & gas systems (F&G), tank overfill protection systems (TOPS), High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPPS), Burner Management(BMS) and Turbo Machinery Control (TMC).

HIMax complements the existing HIMA range of HIQuad, HIMatrix and Planar 4, is based on HIMA’s revolutionary NONSTOP XMR® technology utilising testing and diagnostics to achieve safety integrity level 3 (SIL 3) and is the only safety system designed to guarantee uninterrupted system operation.

Neil Hibbert worked previously in Hima-Sella’s Technical Support Group. His replacement is new recruit, John Chadwick. John joins Hima-Sella as Technical Support Group supervisor, bringing valuable experience of working offshore in oil and gas operations. For the last three years he’s been coordinating a team of engineers responsible for the overall running of an offshore oil platform.

Nathan George, as Sales Applications Engineer, joins Hima-Sella from AWS Electronics. He replaces John Lunt who retired at the end of the year after 20 years service.

Three, new, principal engineers will join Hima-Sella’s existing functional safety management team, which currently provides technical expertise and support for the HIMA product range. These three posts will enhance the specialist expertise of the current team and enable the company to develop its safety offering to a new level.

Managing Director at Hima-Sella, Ian Wright, commented, “These new appointments are part of our strategy for developing management talent within this business and will significantly boost our capability for delivering some of the most reliable safety-related system solutions in 2010 and beyond.”