In fiscal year 2008, Kärcher, a family-owned company, succeeded in growing still further, creating new jobs and increasing its market shares: The world's largest cleaning equipment manufacturer achieved its highest ever turnover of 1.4 billion euros and also recorded sales of 6.38 million units – the highest in its history.

Innovation was once again the most important growth factor for the company: More than one hundred new products were launched in the past year, including benchmark-setting hot water high-pressure cleaners, the unique WV 50 window vacuum and, for the first time, drinking water dispensers.

Kärcher continued to meet its social responsibility in 2008 too: Focused on sustained management, the company supported charities, social and cultural organisations in numerous countries and extended its commitment to environmental protection. Kärcher once again contributed to the preservation of landmark buildings and monuments, using its own technology. For example, the company cleaned the Space Needle in Seattle and removed harmful contamination from the central group of stone sculptures in the Vigeland park in Oslo.