Details

Category: PIKO latest news

Press Release: PIKO Continues Its Growth Path and Invests in the Future of the Sonneberg Site

7.9 percent sales growth in the first five months, investments in digitalization and AI, as well as innovative new products characterize 2026 – the highlight on June 20 is the 14th “Open House Day” in Sonneberg.

The 14th “Open House Day” at PIKO is approaching. As part of the traditional press conference, Mr. Rainer Landwehr (CEO), Dr. René F. Wilfer (Shareholder), and Jens Beyer (Head of Sales) provided information on the current business situation, investments in Sonneberg, important new products, and the prospects of the model railway market. At the same time, the company gave a preview of the major event on June 20, 2026, which is once again expected to attract several thousand guests from Germany and abroad.

Economic Development of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH

PIKO Spielwaren GmbH looks back on a very positive development in the current 2026 financial year. Despite a still challenging economic environment, generally restrained consumer sentiment, and ongoing global economic uncertainties, the company was able to achieve significant growth in the first five months of the year.

Compared to the same period of the previous year, the company's sales increased by 7.9 percent. This places PIKO not only above the previous year's figures but also ahead of its own plans. Growth is being driven by both the German market and international business. The export share remains just under 40 percent.

Market developments vary from region to region. While some markets are developing particularly positively, others continue to be affected by consumer restraint, inflation, currency effects, and trade policy uncertainties. The company’s broad international presence helps offset fluctuations in individual markets.

“We are very satisfied with the development of the first months of this year. Despite difficult conditions and an overall challenging global economic situation, we are confident that we will achieve our annual targets. This confirms our long-term strategy and shows that we are well positioned with our product range, our international orientation, and our high delivery capability,” explains Rainer Landwehr, CEO of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH.

From the company’s perspective, it is particularly encouraging that the positive development is not limited to the past few months. Current order volumes and strong demand for numerous new products are already providing a high level of planning security for the remainder of the year.

PIKO and the Sonneberg Site

PIKO remains firmly committed to the Sonneberg location and continues to strengthen it for the future. In addition to the company headquarters, key areas such as sales, product management, development, administration, and the production of garden railway and building models are located here.

Following the expansion of the new customer center, for which more than a quarter of a million euros were invested, PIKO is consistently continuing its future-oriented course. Currently, nearly half a million euros are being invested in expanding digital infrastructure and modern AI-supported technologies.

The focus is on high-performance server structures, new IT systems, and innovative applications to support internal processes. The goal is to make workflows more efficient, shorten innovation cycles, and further strengthen competitiveness in the long term.

The new customer center has already established itself as an important meeting point for retail partners, associations, and international guests. Training sessions, product presentations, and industry events are held there on a regular basis.

The site is also developing positively in terms of personnel. PIKO is currently recruiting new employees in various areas – both in operational departments such as warehousing and shipping and in specialized areas of product development.

“Sonneberg remains the heart of PIKO. With our investments, we are creating the conditions to ensure that the site continues to play a central role in the development of our company in the future,” emphasizes Rainer Landwehr. Dr. René F. Wilfer, owner and shareholder of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH, also reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to the Sonneberg location and to further investments in PIKO’s future.

New Products and Innovations at PIKO in 2026

In 2026, the company continues its innovation strategy consistently. PIKO is increasingly evolving from a traditional model manufacturer into a provider of modern, interconnected model railway systems.

With the new G-SmartControl_wlan digital control system, PIKO is continuously expanding its range of control solutions for the garden railway sector. The portfolio is complemented by the previously introduced SmartProgrammer Stick including Connector.

At the same time, numerous new tooling projects across all scales continue to generate strong demand. The new G scale Dual Mode Vectron has proven particularly successful. The recently unveiled BR 91.3 steam locomotive in TT scale is also attracting significant interest from retailers and customers alike.

Further major new tooling projects are scheduled for the coming months, including the E19 electric locomotive and the new V90 diesel locomotive. Strong demand and numerous pre-orders underline the success of the current product strategy.

Model Railways Between Tradition, Innovation, and a Future Market

Model railways combine tradition, technology, and creativity like few other hobbies. In addition to enthusiasm for prototypical rolling stock, digital functions and modern control options are becoming increasingly important. PIKO sees its strategic direction confirmed.

With products in G, H0, TT, and N scales, as well as offerings for beginners and experienced model railway enthusiasts, the company deliberately addresses different target groups. At the same time, attracting new model railway fans remains an important focus. Modern control systems make it easier to get started, open up additional possibilities on layouts, and appeal to technology-oriented enthusiasts. This is complemented by dedicated offers for children, families, and newcomers returning to the fascinating hobby of model railways.

PIKO is convinced that the future of model railways lies in the combination of high-quality models, intelligent system solutions, and inspiring new generations to embrace technology and creativity.

Outlook for the 14th PIKO Open House Day

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, PIKO will open its doors for the 14th time to visitors from Germany and abroad. Over the years, the “Open House Day” has become a fixed highlight for model railway enthusiasts, families, and railway fans.

Guests can look forward to a varied program for the whole family, featuring insights into production, demonstrations, hands-on activities, special promotions, a large raffle, and numerous opportunities to experience the fascination of model railways up close. A particular highlight remains the behind-the-scenes look at garden railway production in Sonneberg.

Preparations have been running at full speed for weeks. Many employees are contributing additional effort alongside their regular duties to create a special day for visitors.

For PIKO, the event is about much more than simply presenting the company.

“The Open House Day holds a very special significance for PIKO. For me, it is the first event of this kind as CEO of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH. At the same time, I am already impressed by the commitment with which our employees are preparing this day. We look forward to welcoming our guests to Sonneberg, engaging in personal conversations, and sharing the enthusiasm for model railways together,” explains Rainer Landwehr.