The long-established global Hidden Champion from the Eastern Westphalia region, which is otherwise less in the public eye, began its 'career' as a global market leader in 1925 as a small locksmith's shop. On May 1st of that year grandfather Heinrich Wemhöner founded his one-man business, shoed horses and carried out repairs as a service provider.

Upswing with and thanks to the developing furniture industry

As a clever inventor, he developed his own machines and brought them to series production. With the introduction of machine production in the rapidly growing craft businesses of the emerging furniture industry in East Westphalia-Lippe, the three-disc disc sanding machine became a bestseller from the 1930s onwards - and 'incidentally' set the course for the future strategic direction of Wemhöner production.

After the Second World War, it is “repair time” in a destroyed Germany - also for the founder, who remembers his roots. Things quickly picked up and in 1951 his eldest son Heinrich joined the company. He soon founds his own company, which presents the first pneumatic press for series production.

Father and son recognize the trend towards series furniture production and chipboard as a base material, the reconstruction of Germany and the economic miracle contribute to the upswing. The patent application for a throughfeed press with tray belt feeding system in 1960 and the premiere of a fully interlinked machine line in 1964 laid the foundations for the company's later market leadership. Also important: the Russian deal in 1970, in which machines were ordered for 50 new furniture factories - resulting in export sales of DM 100 million.

A personal matter to Heiner Wemhöner: “We are family!”

Generation 3 takes over responsibility in the 1980s with grandson Heiner Wemhöner, born in 1950. The first press for the Asian market - the “gate opener” - is also manufactured during this time. Exports now account for 90% of the business, which justifies the establishment of the company's own Chinese production facility in Changzhou from 2005. Shortly afterwards, Heiner took over overall responsibility for the family business, which now has a turnover of over 90 million Euros.

It is thanks to him and the commitment of the 500 employees that the financial crisis in 2008 was overcome with pain but with flying colors, that another plant in China was connected to the grid in 2018 and that total sales are now around 200 million euros. The values of Wemhöner have remained unchanged for 100 years: being solid and reliable, consistently setting maximum quality standards, driving innovation and ideas wherever possible, seeing challenges as opportunities and always remaining confident.

This “mission statement” also accompanied all the speeches at the big family party, on May 1st. True to the motto “We are family!”, around 1,800 guests celebrated Wemhöner’s 100th birthday at the headquarters open house in Planckstrasse and at Alter Güterbahnhof Herford. Well over 100 employees, some with their children, had traveled all the way from China.

“Welcome” and ‘ni hao’ to all guests at the 100th anniversary celebration

Heiner Wemhöner, his wife Elke and their children Kathleen and Philipp had planned a party full of enjoyment and fun for their “very large family”: Ice cream, popcorn, grilled treats, beer and cocktails provided for the physical well-being, balloon animals or a climbing wall for children and the evening dance floor with several bands, including two employee bands, for the physical well-being and the famous cabaret artist Dieter Nuhr for the intellectual well-being.

The guests of honor were not only full of praise in their speeches: Herford's Mayor Tim Kähler, Wemhöner Works Council Chairman Jan Dingerdissen and Changzhou's Vice Mayor Hang Hongwei emphasized Heiner Wemhöner's extraordinary commitment as an employer, driving force for the industry, collector of modern art and patron of the arts as well as in the social sector. Foundations set up by the former European equestrian champion enable children in China to attend school and study, support school exchanges and sport in Changzhou.

Heiner Wemhöner, who has been with the company for 46 years - 38 of which as managing partner - and his CEO for the Chinese branches, Xufeng He, thanked both the employees entrusted to them and their customers in Europe, Asia and overseas, some of whom have been loyal for decades. More than just for the sake of good form, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the East Westphalia Chamber of Crafts in Bielefeld presented certificates of honor for the anniversary celebrations.

Innovative with diligence, honesty and modesty - probably the shortest “profile” for Wemhöner

Good three weeks later, on May 24, the second company party on the same occasion delighted a large number of customers and interested parties, particularly from Asia. The focus here was on a visit to the “open factory” in Planckstraße - with a culinary accompaniment, of course - and the Wemhöner collection currently on display in the Marta Museum in Herford under the title “Other People Think”. Director Kathleen Rahn gave an in-depth introduction to the small but visually stunning part of the collection, which currently comprises around 1,800 works by 400 artists, and expertly guided all guests through the exhibition.

Heiner Wemhöner, honorary citizen of Herford and Changzhou, presented the invited guests an impressive film about the company's one hundred-year history. In this context, he referred to the upcoming fourth generation of the Wemhöner family, who will soon take over the operational responsibility of the medium-sized company. Managing Director Xufeng He provided amusement in his speech with some anecdotes about customers, friends and colleagues.

This second event to mark the company's anniversary concluded with a sumptuous meal in the Marta Cafe, which was filled to capacity and until the last moment of the evening. As there were many guests from China in this group, there were also many toasts to the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese subsidiary. And some of the participants raised their glasses in anticipation of the next, certainly smaller celebration: in a few weeks' time, company boss Heiner will be celebrating his 75th birthday with his family...

Kontakt: Dr. Frank B. Müller
fm(at)edelweisspress.de
Goebenstraße 4-10 32052 Herford

Fon: +49 5221 1265-20 Fax: +49 5221 1265-65