Newsroom Würth

Würth continues on growth trajectory

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0200

“It is encouraging that we have been able to maintain the growth momentum from the first four months of 2026. This shows that our sales approach is the right fit for our customers: Our field sales representatives provide personal advice on complex requirements, while digital solutions make procurement even easier for our customers. Through this approach, we deliver efficiency and real added value to our customers at every level—from a single product delivery to hands-on operational support. Despite disrupted supply chains, our 4.5 million customers worldwide can rely on us. Würth delivers,” said Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group, commenting on the positive result.

Sales remains the key driver of the Würth Group’s success. Around 44,000 of its current 86,700 employees worldwide work in this area. This means Würth has kept its number of employees stable since the end of 2025. At the same time, e-business continues to gain importance, accounting for 25.3 percent of the Würth Group’s total sales volume.

The economic environment remains challenging: Rising energy prices, geopolitical uncertainty, and subdued industrial activity, especially in Germany, are acting as a drag. Globally, however, the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is signaling moderate growth at 52.2 points—an environment from which the Würth Group benefits thanks to its global presence. The Electronics eiSos and Chemicals units in particular are developing very dynamically. The fastening technology segment (Arnold Group) is also showing signs of recovery. Further positive growth momentum is coming from regions outside Germany, particularly in Eastern Europe and South America.

Order intake in recent months provides confidence that the Group’s successful business performance will continue throughout the remainder of the year. “We have the scale, the international footprint, and the financial stability to demonstrate our competitive strength even in a demanding environment. However, the economic development in the second half of the year will depend on the reliability of geopolitical signs of easing and the stability of key trade routes. These factors will determine future planning certainty and the companies’ willingness to invest,” said Friedmann.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is leading in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 86,000 people in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. The Group generated sales of EUR 20.7 billion and an operating result of EUR 970 million in the 2025 fiscal year. With around 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau, Germany, is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth Group supports UNICEF program with EUR 400,000

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:51:15 +0200

“Children and young people in the Philippines are growing up in an insecure environment shaped by conflict and poverty. With this donation to UNICEF, we want to help open up better prospects for them—because education, protection, and strong community cohesion are key to empowering young people and enabling them to build a better future,” said Maria Würth, Executive Vice President of the Würth Group for Arts and Culture. She presented the donation on behalf of her mother, Bettina Würth, who is a member of the Board of UNICEF Germany and initiated this commitment.

This is the ninth consecutive year in which Würth is supporting UNICEF and donating part of the proceeds from RW WORKOUT Week.

Education as the key to peace and a better future

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the southern Philippines, an entire generation is growing up amid conflict, natural disasters, and years of underfunding. For many children, this means poverty, insecurity, and limited protection.

The UNICEF program therefore focuses on improving education, creating safe learning spaces, and strengthening social skills. UNICEF provides further training for teachers, improves school development plans, and supplies learning materials. Adolescents and young adults are encouraged to develop and implement their own ideas and to actively promote peaceful and respectful coexistence. In addition, the program involves parents, youth groups, and local decision-makers in order to effectively strengthen social cohesion in the communities.

Some 30,000 children, adolescents, and young adults will benefit from the donation. A further approximately 54,700 people in selected communities will benefit indirectly from stronger schools, improved child protection systems, and peacebuilding and dialogue initiatives.

“We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks for the outstanding support provided by the Würth Group and its employees. The impressive long-standing commitment as part of the Würth Group’s campaign week is a testament to boundless solidarity with children who are in urgent need of help,” said Georg Graf Waldersee, Chairman of the Board of UNICEF Germany. “Thanks to this support, UNICEF can provide long-term support to children in the Philippines and create opportunities for them. These children want to learn—and they have every right to do so. Improved access to education gives them the chance to develop personally and shape their future.”

About the RW WORKOUT Week
The RW WORKOUT Week has been an integral part of the cooperation between the inside staff and the sales force of Würth Group companies for 36 years. During this ride-along campaign, inside staff accompanies sales representatives on their daily customer visits. This does not only boost their cooperation, but also gives both the sales force and the customers the opportunity to suggest improvements and ideas to inside staff in personal conversations. More than 10,500 ride-alongs were performed worldwide within the framework of the 2026 RW WORKOUT Week.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is leading in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 86,000 people in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. The Group generated sales of EUR 20.7 billion and an operating result of EUR 970 million in the 2025 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau, Germany, is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth Group successfully issues CHF 300 million bond

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:20:39 +0200

Künzelsau/’s-Hertogenbosch, As part of its capital markets-oriented financing strategy, the Würth Group successfully issued a bond of CHF 300 million with a maturity of approximately 7 years and 4 months and a fixed coupon of 1.10 percent. The bond was rated A by S&P Global Ratings.

The issue was made via Würth Finance International B.V., the Group’s finance company, and is secured by an unconditional, irrevocable guarantee from Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG. Deutsche Bank, Zürcher Kantonalbank, and UBS served as joint lead managers, with Raiffeisen Switzerland acting as co-lead manager. The bond will be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.

The proceeds from the transaction will be used for the early refinancing of a CHF-bond maturing in November 2026 and to strengthen the Würth Group’s financing and liquidity base in the long term. Investors can expect a yield of 1.0935 percent p.a., which corresponds to a spread of 65 basis points over the CHF market rate (SARON swap). This transaction has been the first single-tranche issuance in the amount of CHF 300 million by a company on the Swiss capital market in nearly nine months.

“I am delighted that with this bond, we continue to be present on the Swiss capital market and offer investors an opportunity to invest in the Würth Group,” said Ralf Schaich, CFO and Member of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group. “The strong demand for our bond highlights investor confidence in our strategy and the financial stability of the company.”

Further details on the terms and conditions of the bond and the road show presentations are available at wuerthfinance.net.

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is leading in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 86,000 people in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. The Group generated sales of EUR 20.7 billion and an operating result of EUR 970 million in the 2025 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau, Germany, is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Disclaimer

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or otherwise acquire, any securities. It does furthermore not form the basis for a contract for the purchase or subscription of securities. In particular, this press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful.

Securities may be offered or sold in the United States of America only after prior registration or without prior registration pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”), as in effect at any given time. The securities referred to in this press release have not been nor will they be registered under the Securities Act. There has not been nor will there be a public offering of the securities referred to in this press release in the United States of America.

Potential investors are requested to make their investment decisions regarding the securities referred to in this press release solely based on the information provided in the prospectus as approved and published by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier, Luxemburg (“CSSF”). The prospectus is available free of charge from Würth Finance International B.V. or on the website www.wuerthfinance.net.

Würth extends partnership with IHF Handball World Championships

Wed, 20 May 2026 10:21:00 +0200

Handball embodies team spirit, responsibility, and precision, values that are equally central to many Würth customers. The partnership with the IHF Handball World Championships builds on this shared foundation while supporting a sport that continues to grow in international importance. This aligns Würth with an elite sporting environment: Both the German men’s and women’s national teams have demonstrated strong growth and success over the past few years. Germany is a nation with a rich tradition in men’s handball and remains a strong contender for international titles. At the same time, the women’s national team has firmly established itself on the global stage and is steadily pursuing its path to the top.

Beyond the sporting arena, Würth views the partnership as a platform for dialogue and connection. During the World Championship in Germany, the company plans to host accompanying programs for customers and employees, bringing the excitement of handball to life while highlighting the sport’s unifying power.

“The partnership with international handball has proven its value over the years,” said Fritz Hollweck, Head of Sports Sponsorship at Würth. “Past championships have demonstrated just how strongly this sport brings people together and resonates on an emotional level. Building on these experiences, we will continue to support handball in all its diversity and share the unique moments of these tournaments with our customers and employees.”

Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, added: “Extending the partnership with Würth through 2029 sends a strong signal for the sustainable development of international handball. Würth leveraged the World Championships last year as a high-quality global platform, contributing significantly to the continued professionalization and visibility of the tournaments. Together with the IHF, we will build on this success and create long-term value for partners, fans, and the handball sport.”

The involvement in handball is part of Würth’s comprehensive sports sponsorship strategy, which is based on visibility at major international events. Apart from competitions in winter sports, Würth is visible as an official tool supplier of MotoGP and had the “Würth 400” in the NASCAR Cup series in the USA named after it. Würth also shows a strong presence in soccer, among others as a partner of the German Football Association, the Italian Football Federation and the referees in Spain.

About the Würth Group

Würth Group returns to growth

Thu, 07 May 2026 11:53:22 +0200

After a slight decline in sales in 2024, the Würth Group returned to growth in 2025. The globally operating group of companies, leading in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials, closed the 2025 fiscal year reporting sales of EUR 20.7 billion (2024: EUR 20.2 billion). This corresponds to an increase of 2.3 percent, or 3.2 percent after adjustments to reflect currency effects. The operating result, too, was up on the previous year at EUR 970 million (2024: EUR 940 million).

The German companies of the Würth Group closed the 2025 fiscal year reporting sales of EUR 8.0 billion, a slight increase of 1.0 percent. The companies outside Germany recorded growth of 3.2 percent (4.7 percent adjusted for currency effects), achieving sales of EUR 12.6 billion.

Within the Würth Line, the Construction division (+6.3 percent) and the Auto division (+1.6 percent) posted positive performance. Among the Allied Companies, the Electrical Wholesale (+7.3 percent), Chemicals (+6.7 percent), and Electronics (+4.6 percent) business units outperformed overall Group growth.

The e-business segment also recorded above-average growth. Sales through the Group’s digital sales channels totaled EUR 5.2 billion, bringing their share in total Würth Group sales to a new high of 25.2 percent.

At the end of 2025, the Würth Group employed 86,415 people (2024: 88,393), around 44,000 of whom worked in sales.

The Group’s equity rose to EUR 9.7 billion (2024: EUR 9.2 billion), which is an increase of 5.1 percent. The equity ratio exceeded 50 percent for the first time, reaching 50.5 percent in 2025 (2024: 47.9 percent). S&P Global Ratings once again confirmed the Würth Group’s A rating, underscoring the Group’s financial strength and providing flexibility for forward-looking investments.

The challenges facing the skilled trades and industry are becoming increasingly complex. A shortage of skilled labor, documentation requirements, and growing cost and time pressures demand maximum flexibility in day‑to‑day operations.

Our customers are increasingly sourcing products through digital channels. At the same time, our field sales representatives remain the central points of contact for our customers. Digital solutions and AI help them fulfill this role even more effectively. “At Würth, technology does not create distance. Instead, it creates real proximity,” Friedmann added.

This strategic focus is essential to securing the Group’s long‑term future. Looking ahead, global challenges will remain unpredictable in 2026 and continue to weigh on the economy. High labor and energy costs are preventing economic momentum from taking hold in Germany as well. Leading economic institutes have already lowered their forecasts for 2026 and currently expect only modest growth of 0.6 percent for Germany. “If policymakers fail to improve structural conditions, above all by accelerating processes, we risk seeing many industrial companies invest abroad in the future,” said Friedmann. “That would result in a loss of value creation and jobs in Germany.”

In the first four months of 2026, the Würth Group increased its sales by 3.2 percent, or by 4.6 percent when adjusted for currency effects. “We have been successfully operating in volatile markets for decades and have always emerged from crises stronger than before. That gives us confidence. The skilled trades will also continue to play an indispensable role as a foundation of our economy—today and tomorrow—as drivers of innovation and stability,” Friedmann concluded.

All content can also be found in our online 2025 Annual Report at www.wuerth.com/ar2025.

About the Würth Group

Old Masters in the Würth Collection: Hubert Gerhard’s Madonna and Child arrives at Johanniterkirche

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:03:00 +0100

Hubert Gerhard (* c. 1540/50 in ’s‑Hertogenbosch; † c. 1620 in Munich), the Dutch creator of exceptional early Baroque bronzes, is regarded as one of the most important representatives and vanguard of the Italian style north of the Alps. His training based on Florentine models, particularly in the workshop of Giovanni da Bologna, is evident in the elegance of his manneristically elongated figures. Gerhard’s spirited interpretations set new standards for sculpture in southern Germany. He worked for the Fugger family in Augsburg, served as court sculptor in Munich and later in Innsbruck—so sought after, in fact, that even Emperor Rudolf II tried in vain to bring the outstanding sculptor to his court in Prague.

Thanks to the successful efforts of Philipp Herzog von Württemberg, Gerhard’s Madonna on the crescent moon—one of the most important depictions of the Virgin Mary in bronze sculpture from around 1600—has now found its way into Johanniterkirche in Schwäbisch Hall. It stands remarkably close to its original place of creation. Representing the Madonna and Child with a scepter, this work was originally made for the palace chapel of Emperor Rudolf II’s brother, Archduke Maximilian III of Austria, at his residence in Bad Mergentheim, where he served as Grand Master of the Teutonic Order.

Mary stands with both feet upon the crescent moon, identifying her—even without a crown—as sovereign over all celestial bodies. While the Christ Child, whose curls echo those of his mother, holds the globe in his left hand and raises his right in a two‑fingered gesture of blessing, the crescent moon—symbol of inconstancy and evil—is pressed down beneath Mary’s feet.

Johanniterkirche, Schwäbisch Hall: “Old Masters in the Würth Collection” with the Madonna of Jakob Meyer zum Hasen by Hans Holbein the Younger and the Falkenstein Altar by the Master of Meßkirch. Opening hours: daily 11 am to 5 pm. Admission: free

Würth becomes official tool supplier of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in the MotoGP™ series

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:09:35 +0100

Würth’s comprehensive product portfolio ensures the right solution for every challenge in the fast‑paced world of racing. Würth tools stand for precision, durability, and reliability—even under extreme time pressure and in the most demanding conditions. This particularly supports the mechanics of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in their day‑to‑day tasks.

“Peak performance doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of people, processes, and tools working together seamlessly. That’s exactly the philosophy we share with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing,” says Fritz Hollweck, Head of Sports Sponsorship at Würth. “Our goal is not just to equip the team, but to be a true success factor in their racing operations.”

MotoGP™ demands precision in every detail—every component, every decision, and every move must be executed perfectly under extreme time pressure. “That’s why partnering with Würth is a logical step for us,” says Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director. “Würth stands for quality, reliability, and professionalism—values that are absolutely essential in racing. Our mechanics carry immense responsibility and rely on their tools every single day. Würth stands as a strong partner at our side who supports our performance down to the smallest detail.”

The partnership includes logo placements on the motorcycle, in the team box, and on team apparel as well as comprehensive communication and marketing rights within the global MotoGP™ environment.

KTM is a world-leading Austrian premium motorcycle manufacturer known for high‑performance, sport‑oriented machines. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is KTM’s official factory team, competing in international motorsport series including MotoGP™.

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is leading in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 86,000 people in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. According to the preliminary annual financial statement, the Group generated sales of EUR 20.7 billion and an operating result of EUR 940 million in the 2025 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau, Germany, is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth Group reports record sales in 2025

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0100

In Germany, the Würth Group generated sales of almost EUR 8.0 billion (+0.8 percent). The companies outside of Germany achieved sales growth of 3.3 percent (EUR 12.7 billion). The regions Southern Europe, Asia, and South America deserve special mention. As for Würth’s core business activities, the Auto division reported positive development, while the Construction division returned to growth with an increase of 6.4 percent following a decline in the previous year. Among the Group’s Allied Companies, the Electrical Wholesale, Electronics, and Chemicals units are developing particularly well. They all grew at higher rates than the overall Würth Group.

Currently, the Würth Group has 86,415 employees worldwide (2024: 88,393 employees), with 44,000 employees working in sales. In Germany, the Würth Group has 26,672 employees on its payroll.

“The Würth Group looks back on a challenging fiscal year characterized by geopolitical uncertainties and a weak economy. Against this backdrop, we are very satisfied with this result,” said Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group. “However, we are still lacking economic momentum in industrial production. We feel the repercussions of this, too. Even so, we are focusing on what lies ahead and are striving to maintain the momentum from 2025. With this strong push, Würth will continue to gain market share in 2026 as well.”

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is leading in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 86,000 people in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. According to the preliminary annual financial statement, the Group generated sales of EUR 20.7 billion and an operating result of EUR 940 million in the 2025 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau, Germany, is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth Prize for European Literature for Hervé Le Tellier

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:43:30 +0100

Hervé Le Tellier was born in Paris in 1957. He studied mathematics, holds a doctorate in linguistics, works as a journalist for Le Monde, among others, and writes for theater, opera and film. He has been a member since 1992 and president since 2019 of the OuLiPo group, a circle of experimental authors that also included Italo Calvino, Oskar Pastior and Georges Perec. He has published novels, short stories, poems, comics and numerous columns. He was awarded the Prix Goncourt for his novel "L'Anomalie" in 2020. "A typical Le Tellier is a Le Tellier who is nothing like the previous Le Tellier," said his translator Jürgen Ritte in an interview with DLF Kultur. The relationship novel "No More Words About Love" is set in the Parisian intellectual milieu. "Nine Days in Lisbon" follows a French journalist in the Portuguese capital. In "Me and the President", a narrator named Le Tellier writes letters to the French president, "a subtle and entertaining read" (Süddeutsche Zeitung). In the autobiographical novel "All the happy families", he takes a critical and melancholy look at his own family.

His latest story, "Der Name an der Wand" (The Name on the Wall), is set in the French provinces, not far from Dieulefit, a place where the French Resistance was particularly active. The author buys a house there and discovers the name of a young resistance fighter carved into the wall. While searching for André Chaix, the author discovers further evidence of a life that ended brutally in August 1944. Chaix was twenty years old when he was killed by shots from a German armored car. Le Tellier not only tells this shockingly short life story, but also a history of the Resistance, of life under occupation, reports on films, music and everyday life in the 1940s and the hidden connections with our present, of Franco-German history and of Europe as we experience it today. It is not a novel about a hero, but a book about courage.

About the Würth Prize for European Literature

The Würth Prize for European Literature, endowed with EUR 25,000, is awarded every two years. The jury, chaired by C. Sylvia Weber, Director of Culture at Würth and member of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Foundation, consists of: Prof. Dr. Dorothee Kimmich, Prof. Dr. Lothar Müller, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Ulrich Raulff, Denis Scheck, Marie Schmidt and the winner of the Würth Prize for European Literature 2024, Colm Tóibín.

Previous winners:
• 2024 Colm Tóibín
• 2022 Annie Ernaux
• 2020 David Grossman
• 2018 Christoph Ransmayr
• 2016 Peter Handke
• 2014 Péter Nádas
• 2012 Hanna Krall
• 2010 Ilija Trojanow
• 2008 Peter Turrini
• 2006 Herta Müller
• 2004 Harald Hartung
• 2002 Claude Vigée
• 2000 Claudio Magris
• 1998 Hermann Lenz

Würth becomes Official Sponsor of the 2026 and 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:30:00 +0200

The agreement with Infront Sports & Media AG, the exclusive marketing partner of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), covers both tournaments, which rank among the world’s largest sporting events. With this step, Würth expands its existing commitment to ice hockey and enhances its global brand visibility, complementing its long-term partnership with the prestigious Spengler Cup in Davos.

“Anyone who has ever stood in a sold-out ice hockey arena immediately feels the energy of this sport, the speed, the passion, the dedication,” says Fritz Hollweck, Head of Sports Sponsorship at Würth. “The fact that the upcoming World Championships will take place in Switzerland and Germany makes it something very special for us: it feels like two home games. This proximity to our customers and employees is what makes the partnership so valuable for Würth.”

The collaboration includes extensive in-arena visibility as well as digital activations. The objective is to further strengthen Würth’s international brand awareness while deepening connections with key target groups in important markets.

Michael Witta, Senior Vice President Marketing Sales & Services at Infront, said: "Würth’s long-standing commitment to sport and strong brand values of precision and reliability make them a perfect fit for the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. Together, we look forward to creating an impactful presence that engages fans worldwide and strengthens Würth’s connection to the global ice hockey community.”

Sports sponsoring at Würth
The partnership is part of Würth’s comprehensive international sports sponsorship strategy, which focuses on visibility at major global events. In addition to ice hockey, Würth is present as the Official Tool Supplier of MotoGP, Title Sponsor of the Würth 400 in the NASCAR Cup Series in the USA, and as a partner in football, including the German Football Association (DFB), the Italian Football Federation, and the referees in Spain. Most recently, Würth also extended its exclusive partnerships with the major European and World Handball Championships, a clear signal of its long-term commitment to international top-level sports.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is leading in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 87,000 people in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. The Group generated sales of EUR 20.2 billion and an operating result of EUR 940 million in the 2024 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau, Germany, is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth extends handball partnership: official partner of EHF EURO until 2028

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0200

Commitment to handball
After a successful start with the 2024 Men’s EHF EURO 2024 in Germany, Würth is consistently continuing its commitment. The agreement now concluded will significantly expand our presence at four European handball championships: the men’s and women’s tournaments in both 2026 and 2028.

“Handball stands for passion, team spirit and proximity. These values perfectly match our ambition at Würth to do our very best. After the strong impressions of the European championship in 2024, it was clear to us that we will continue this partnership in the long term and remain committed to handball. And also to the people who are involved in this sport with such enthusiasm,” says Fritz Hollweck, Head of Sports Sponsorship at Würth.

Millions of viewers
The EHF EURO is one of the largest sport events in Europe. Millions of viewers attend the games in the arenas or watch live broadcasts. For partners like Würth, the tournament offers a platform with a high reach and great emotional appeal. In addition to traditional visibility, Würth also turns to fan and customer campaigns in the host countries to make the Würth brand come alive.

“We are very pleased that the still young partnership with Würth will be extended until 2028 and that this extension will include the men’s EHF EURO and the two upcoming women’s European championships. This is another proof of the appeal of the tournament and the numerous opportunities we can offer to internationally operating companies such as Würth to reach and activate new and existing target groups,” says Martin Hausleitner, EHF Secretary General.

Sports sponsoring at Würth
The involvement in handball is part of Würth’s comprehensive sports sponsorship strategy, which is based on visibility at major international events. Apart from competitions in winter sports, Würth is visible as official tool supplier of MotoGP and had the “Würth 400” in the NASCAR Cup series in the USA named after it. Würth also shows a strong presence in football, among others as a partner of the German Football Association, the Italian Football Federation and the referees in Spain.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is leading in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 87,000 people in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. The Group generated sales of EUR 20.2 billion and an operating result of EUR 940 million in the 2024 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau, Germany, is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

A project of international understanding worth listening to

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:45:00 +0200

In his laudatory speech, Andreas Lemke, former chairman of the State Association of Music Schools in Bremen, praised the orchestra as "a symbol of cultural diversity, civic engagement and personal responsibility" and expressed the hope that "the wind will blow in the direction of open borders again at some point."

The award was presented by Johannes Schmalzl, Chairman of the Management Board of the Würth Foundation, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Roth, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, and JMD President Johannes Freyer. Freyer emphasized the importance of youth orchestras as a utopia of a successful society: "They are microcosms in which young people can test their impact in the community–and are also a role model for us adults."

The International Youth Symphony Orchestra Bremen under the direction of Martin Lentz is taking place for the 25th time this year. Every year, the Bremen Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Bremen Music School invites around 50 musicians aged between 14 and 22 from all over the world to Bremen for a ten-day rehearsal phase to work on a challenging symphonic program–in 2025, participants from Algeria, Egypt, Germany, Iraq, Jordan, Latvia, Tunisia, Turkey, Romania, Scotland, Switzerland, Spain, Syria and the United Arab Emirates are taking part. Through intensive rehearsals and a love of music, a temporary, international ensemble of around 90 young instrumentalists grows together, in which ideological differences, nationalities and religions are addressed, understood and respected.

At the award ceremony at the Carmen Würth Forum at the Würth Group headquarters in Künzelsau in Baden-Württemberg, the prize-winning ensemble performed Benjamin Britten's "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra", the rarely heard "Rhapsodie pathétique" by Syrian composer Sharif Badreddin with Rimonda Naanaa as soloist on the quanoun and the rousing "Danzón No. 2" by Arturo Márquez.

The Würth Prize of Jeunesses Musicales Deutschland has been awarded annually since 1991 by the Würth Foundation and Jeunesses Musicales Deutschland to artists or ensembles who have rendered outstanding services to the promotion of young musical talent and a cosmopolitan cultural life. In previous years, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla (2024), the Deutsche Streicherphilharmonie (2023), the Notos Quartet (2022) and Jörg Widmann (2021) were among those honored.

The non-profit Würth Foundation was founded in 1987 by Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold and Carmen Würth in Künzelsau and promotes projects in the fields of education and science, integration and social affairs as well as art and culture. JMD is the German section of Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI). It was founded during the Second World War to promote encounters between young musicians.

Der Würth-Preis der Jeunesses Musicales Deutschland wird seit 1991 durch die Stiftung Würth und die Jeunesses Musicales Deutschland jährlich an Künstlerinnen und Künstler oder Ensembles verliehen, die sich auf besondere Weise um die musikalische Nachwuchsförderung und ein weltbürgerliches Kulturleben verdient machen. In den vergangenen Jahren waren unter anderen Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla (2024), die Deutsche Streicherphilharmonie (2023), das Notos Quartett (2022) und Jörg Widmann (2021) gewürdigt worden.

Die gemeinnützige Stiftung Würth wurde 1987 von Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold und Carmen Würth in Künzelsau gegründet und fördert Projekte in den Bereichen Bildung und Wissenschaft, Integration und Soziales sowie Kunst und Kultur. JMD ist die deutsche Sektion der Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI). Sie wurde während des Zweiten Weltkriegs gegründet, um Begegnungen junger Musikerinnen und Musiker zu fördern.

Würth: a mood of cautious optimism

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:00:00 +0200

In the first half of 2025, the Würth Group was able to increase its consolidated sales by 2.2 percent to EUR 10.4 billion (adjusted for currency effects, growth was 2.7 percent), while generating an operating result of EUR 475 million. The Würth Group employs 87,198 people worldwide (a decrease of 1.6 percent), with around 44,000 of them working in sales.

Overall, the business climate appears to be improving slightly, despite the erratic U.S. economic policy. The number of orders the Group received over the past few weeks points to an acceleration in growth in the second half of 2025. For now, the Würth Group is entering the coming months with cautious optimism. Measures taken by Germany’s newly elected federal government are fostering a sense of optimism in the national economy, which could quickly replace the previous pessimism and dissatisfaction among the population.

Download: The 2025 half-year results at a glance

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is leading in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 87,000 people in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. The Group generated sales of EUR 20.2 billion and an operating result of EUR 940 million in the 2024 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau, Germany, is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth Group donates EUR 400,000 to UNICEF

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:58:48 +0200

For the eighth time in a row, Würth is supporting UNICEF by donating part of the proceeds of the RW WORKOUT Week to a UNICEF program. The donation of EUR 400,000 will be used to establish and expand integrated children shelters in Ecuador.

“Children in Ecuador grow up in an environment characterized by armed violence and insecurity. With this donation, we are supporting UNICEF in providing safe havens for children and adolescents in Ecuador, thus giving them a place where they can grow up protected and discover new perspectives,” Bettina Würth, Member of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group and Member of the Board of UNICEF Germany, said about the company’s commitment.

Protection and perspectives for children in need
Ecuador has seen a dramatic increase in armed violence in recent years, with children and adolescents in particular suffering from the consequences. Since 2019, the killing of minors has increased by an alarming 770 percent. Many young people are exposed to mental stress, exploitation, discrimination, and a growing lack of perspective.

This donation will help provide young people in integrated children shelters with access to medical care, psychosocial support, education, and creative support programs. At the same time, these shelters offer safe spaces, in which children can learn, play, and process their traumatic experiences.

Georg Graf Waldersee, Chairman of the Board of UNICEF Germany, said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks for your continued support! For the eighth year in a row, employees of the Würth Group have shown extraordinary commitment as part of the Group’s campaign week, once again demonstrating their strong support for UNICEF’s work for children worldwide. This year’s donation will help bring lasting change to the lives of Ecuador’s most vulnerable children. Like all children, these kids have the right to be protected from violence, to grow up healthy, and to develop as individuals. UNICEF’s children shelters are central to making this happen.”

About the RW WORKOUT Week
The RW WORKOUT Week has been an integral part of the cooperation between the inside staff and the sales force of Würth Group companies for 35 years. During this ride-along campaign, inside staff accompanies sales representatives on their daily customer visits. This does not only boost their cooperation, but also gives both the sales force and the customers the opportunity to suggest improvements and ideas to inside staff in personal conversations. More than 16,000 employees worldwide rode along in the field within the framework of the 2025 RW WORKOUT Week.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is a global leader in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The family business is represented in 80 countries around the world with more than 400 companies and over 2,800 shops. The Group generated sales of EUR 20.2 billion and an operating result of EUR 940 million in the 2024 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau, Germany, is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Memorial to the liberation of Europe

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:36:14 +0200

The 3.5-meter-high memorial was made by young employees from businesses in the skilled trades. The steel structure features a stylized American flag that moves with the wind. The supporting elements of the flag resemble abstracted legs of marching soldiers, clad in durable black locust wood. The structure rests on a compass rose, with the four cardinal points symbolizing the international troops involved in Europe’s liberation.

Both Volksbund and the Würth Foundation are deeply committed to keeping the memory of the millions who lost their lives in wars alive. “This memorial is a visible sign of gratitude to those who liberated Europe and a call to all of us to uphold humanity and peace,” said Carmen Würth, who, together with her husband, Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth, founded the charitable Würth Foundation in 1987. Carmen and Reinhold Würth have long been committed to Volksbund. Since 2018, Carmen Würth has also been a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Volksbund foundation Gedenken und Frieden (Peace and Remembrance).

“Wars do not simply break out; they are prepared. It all starts with the dehumanization of others, with hatred. Those are the beginnings we must counteract,” emphasized Volksbund President Wolfgang Schneiderhan. Prof. Dr. Ulrich Roth, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Würth Foundation, further highlighted the social responsibility all of us have: “We must start defending democracy and freedom before they lie in ruins. It starts in everyday life. With education. With moral fiber. With remembrance.”

The Marigny location, near the former landing beaches of the Allied powers, was deliberately chosen as it was once the site of an American military cemetery. The new memorial complements the existing memorial wreath, which has commemorated Commonwealth, French, and German soldiers killed in action with 1,000 stylized poppy, cornflower, and forget-me-not blossoms since 2020.

Technical information on the memorial

Height: 3.5 meters
Weight: 360 kilograms
Materials: batch hot-dip galvanized structural steel, weathering steel, and black locust wood

About the Würth Foundation

Founded by Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth and Carmen Würth in Künzelsau, Germany, in 1987, the charitable Würth Foundation promotes projects in the fields of education and sciences, integration and social affairs as well as art and culture. It is supported by companies of the Würth Group in Germany, particularly Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG.

About Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e. V.

Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e. V. is a non-profit organization that, on behalf of the Federal Government of Germany, searches for and recovers war dead abroad in order to give them a respectful burial. Last year, over 10,000 people were recovered and buried. Volksbund maintains graves in 45 countries and provides support to the families of the deceased. Through its youth and educational programs, it reaches around 38,000 young people every year. In Germany and Europe, Volksbund is a key player in the culture of remembrance.

Würth becomes official tool supplier for MotoGP™

Mon, 12 May 2025 14:00:00 +0200

Würth has been active in motor sports since 1976. The involvement in MotoGP™ marks another milestone in its sponsorship strategy. The focus is on equipping the technical teams with high-quality Würth tools that are able to perform in extreme conditions and ensure absolute precision, efficiency and safety in the paddock and pit lane.

“At the end of the day, in motor sports, like in the trades, it’s about every detail: Speed, experience and perfectly tuned processes are the key to success,” says Fritz Hollweck, Head of Sports Sponsorship at Würth. “This ambition is precisely what we share with MotoGP™. Both brands stand for top-notch technical excellence, passion and teamwork.”

The commercial rights holder of MotoGP, Dorna Sports, underlines the strategic value of the cooperation: “Würth matches our ambition and values,” says Marc Saurina, Head of Global Commercial Partnerships. “In Würth, we win a global partner that supports our teams with first-class tools, as well as new impetus in some of our strongest markets.”

During the season, Würth will be prominently visible at the Grand Prix races in Italy, Spain and Indonesia, with strong branding along the race track, in hospitality areas and in digital spaces. In addition, Würth offers exclusive customer experiences. The selection of the Grand Prix locations also highlights the Group’s international growth strategy, connecting with MotoGP’s impressive presence in each market.

About MotoGP
Welcome to the most exciting sport on Earth. The fastest bikes. The most forward-thinking manufacturers. The world's most fearless riders. This is the hunt, and there can only be one winner. Come with us to the edge of possibility and the edge of your seat. MotoGP. Faster. Forward. Fearless.

Würth Group sales in the 2024 fiscal year almost at previous year's level

Wed, 07 May 2025 11:56:56 +0200

Apart from cost increases, the weak economy in the manufacturing industry also had an impact on the Group’s business development. The result was further burdened by high investments and the resulting depreciation and amortization. However, investments are important for the future growth of the Würth Group. The Group invested EUR 1.2 billion, primarily in its IT infrastructure and warehouse capacities of its distribution companies, as well as in production buildings, technical equipment, and machinery for the production companies.

In Germany, the Würth Group generated sales of almost EUR 8 billion in 2024 (-3.9 percent). Accounting for 39 percent of sales, Germany is the most important individual market for the Würth Group. Outside Germany, the Würth Group’s sales grew slightly by 1.2 percent compared to the previous year. Southern Europe, the Group’s second most important market, deserves special mention, reporting growth of 3.8 percent to more than EUR 3.1 billion. This growth was strongly influenced by the acquisition of the electrical wholesaler IDG 01 S.p.A. based in western Italy. Southern Europe contributes a share of 15.5 percent to the Group’s total sales volume. In the Würth Group’s core business, the Würth Line’s Craft divisions developed satisfactorily, reporting sales at the previous year’s level, which was primarily driven by growth in the Auto (+3.3 percent) and Wood (+2.0 percent) divisions. At the Allied Companies, especially the Electrical Wholesale unit, boosted by acquisitions in Poland and Italy (+8.1 percent), and the companies in the Chemicals unit (+11.7 percent) contributed to sales growth.

The Würth Group gained a total of 1,346 new employees through acquisitions in the 2024 fiscal year and employed 88,393 people at the end of the year. Around 44,900 of these employees work in the sales force.

The equity of the Würth Group rose by 5.4 percent to EUR 9.2 billion (2023: EUR 8.8 billion) and forms the basis for the Group’s financial stability. The rating agency S&P Global once again confirmed the Würth Group’s A/outlook stable rating in June 2024.

Recently, the 2025 economic growth forecasts for Germany were reduced significantly. According to German economic research institution Ifo Institute, the German gross domestic product is unlikely to increase by more than 0.1 percent. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the global economy to grow at 2.8 percent, clearly below what was expected in January 2025. “According to experts, the outlook for growth in the 2025 fiscal year is bleak. Nevertheless, we see the good development of the companies in the Chemicals unit, which were able to build on the previous year’s success in the first quarter of 2025, as a ray of hope for 2025,” said Friedmann. The eiSos Group, one of the largest European manufacturers of passive electronic and electromechanical components, is currently reporting an increase in incoming orders, especially in Asia and North America. “The eiSos Group is one of the trend indicators of the Würth Group. Already in the first quarter of 2025, incoming orders rose at an above-average rate. This makes us optimistic that the European market will follow suit.”

All content can also be found in our online 2024 Annual Report at www.wuerth.com/ar2024.

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. At the end of 2024, the Group employed more than 88,400 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. The Group generated sales of EUR 20.2 billion and an operating result of EUR 940 million in the 2024 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth celebrates his 90th birthday

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:41:29 +0200

On 29 April 2025, the family business celebrated Prof. Würth’s 90th birthday and the 80th anniversary of the Würth Group. Family and companions, guests from the worlds of politics, business and the arts, customers and suppliers as well as the company management paid tribute to Prof. Würth’s life’s work during a ceremony at Carmen Würth Forum in the German town of Künzelsau.

Benjamin Würth, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group, Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group, and Norbert Heckmann, Member of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group and Chairman of the Management of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, welcomed the approximately 500 guests.

In a video greeting, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, congratulated Prof. Würth on the two anniversaries: “Today you are celebrating two anniversaries that both shine far beyond Künzelsau, the Hohenlohe as well as the Heilbronn-Franken region. You, dear Prof. Würth, and your company have not only shaped your home region, you have also contributed to the success story of the Federal Republic of Germany.” Federal President Steinmeier paid particular tribute to Prof. Würth’s commitment to democracy, freedom, and diversity. He continued: “To this day, you continue to inspire young and old with your entrepreneurial courage and your social commitment. Our country owes you a lot.”

Baden-Württemberg's State Premier Winfried Kretschmann delivered the gala address at Carmen Würth Forum: “Renowned for his ability to identify opportunities and turn them into reality, Reinhold Würth is a Baden-Württemberg entrepreneur par excellence. His life’s work shows that change is possible and that one can achieve great things even from difficult starting positions. Driven by his Hohenlohe energy and his global vision, he has made his company a symbol of innovative strength ‘made in Baden-Württemberg.’ He is an entrepreneur guided by strong principles, for whom commercial success and social responsibility are inextricably linked. It is in challenging times like these in particular that we need individuals like him more than ever to ensure our country continues to play a leading role in the future.”

“90 years are not a typical lifetime. That is why I am all the more grateful that I can look back on a life in which I managed to achieve a few things,” Prof. Würth said in his speech. Without his dear wife Carmen, this lifetime achievement would not have been possible: “We are now in the 69th year of our marriage. My dear Carmen, you helped me through many difficult hours. You took outstanding care of the family for me, allowing me to devote most of my time to the company. I would like to tell you, as I do every day: Carmen, I love you.”

To celebrate Prof. Würth’s 90th birthday, the Würth family and the entire Würth Group are planting an arboretum at Carmen Würth Forum. Over the years, this arboretum will expand across the entire company grounds in Künzelsau. The trees planted symbolize the values Prof. Würth and his company represent: stability and strength, diversity and adaptability as well as growth and vision.

Pianist Rudolf Buchbinder and violinist Veronika Eberle surprised Prof. Würth with music.

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs 88,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. According to its preliminary annual financial statements, the Group generated sales of EUR 20.2 billion in the 2024 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Museum Würth 2 presenting large solo exhibition on Emil Nolde

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:19:59 +0200

The exhibition, planned by Nolde Stiftung Seebüll and supplemented extensively for the presentation in Künzelsau, is dedicated not only to the different creative phases and diverse subjects of this expressionist master of color, but also traces the artist’s life, free from myths and legends. The starting point of the exhibition is the tension between world and homeland that can be felt in Nolde’s works. The exhibition presents a total of 146 paintings, watercolors, prints and folkloristic objects and exotica, which, thanks to Nolde Stiftung Seebüll, enter into a dialogue with the 18 Nolde works from the Würth Collection.

Depictions of landscapes with a low horizon, clouds dramatically piling up as if they were mountains, the turbulent sea, and vivid flower paintings such as “Großer Mohn (rot, rot, rot)” (Large Poppy (red, red, red)) from 1942 are expression of the artist’s deep understanding of his homeland. Emil Nolde, born Emil Hansen in 1867 in the village of Nolde, whose name he later adopted, grew up as a farmer’s son in the German-Danish border region. His works, which often verge on the non-representational, touch on the timeless need for emotion and unaltered nature beyond the modern metropolis of his time. Thus, as the artist himself put it, “a vague idea only in glow and color” was enough to trigger the stream of imagination. With his self-image as a Nordic artist shaped by the landscape, people and legendary figures he grew up with, he soon showed an unadulterated, strong will to represent a distinct German artistic style in his works.

Firmly rooted in the north, he was drawn out into the world early on: He not only traveled through Europe. In 1913/14, a scientific expedition, which he accompanied as an unofficial participant, took him through Moscow, Siberia, Korea, Japan and China to the German colony of German New Guinea. These new impressions and the search for the original greatly influenced his artistic development, resulting in fascinating changes of perspective. From his travels, the artist brought back folkloristic objects and exotica, which over time grew into a wondrous collection of study objects and continued to resonate in his still lifes and figure paintings for a long time, as can be seen from the painting “Stilleben E (Hirschgruppe, Kissen, Tamburan)” (Still Life E (Group of Deer, Cushion, Tamburan)) from 1914. Nolde used them to create astonishingly cosmopolitan and yet unmistakable pictorial worlds, which, contrary to his disturbing political conviction, easily overcome artistic conventions and cultural boundaries.

In the exhibition catalog, entrepreneur and collector Reinhold Würth recalls a joint visit to a Ticino gallery with his friend, photographer Paul Swiridoff, in 1972: “There, I saw the watercolor painting by Emil Nolde, which caught my eye immediately. The strong, vibrant shades of red, orange and blue completely captivated me, as I remembered having seen exactly these bright colors during my visits to the far north of Germany and Denmark. My decision to buy the painting was quickly made.”

With the acquisition of “Wolkenspiegelung in der Marsch”, Reinhold Würth laid the foundation for an art collection that today comprises over 20,000 works.

Exhibition “An active life” in the Museum’s Atrium marking two anniversaries

On the occasion of Reinhold Würth’s 90th birthday and the Würth Group’s corporate anniversary, Museum Würth 2 will present the exhibition “An active life. 90 years Reinhold Würth. 80 years Würth Group.”, an inspiring journey through time from 7 April.

It highlights historical and current aspects and shows the close relationship between the entrepreneur and his company. After all, the impressive development from a two-man business to world market leader in assembly and fastening systems is Reinhold Würth’s life’s work. Various stations presenting videos, photographs and objects from eight decades show highlights and various facets of this journey. They provide interactive insights, for example into sales, product development or the different aspects of cultural and social commitment. A wide range of archive material appealing to all senses awaits the visitor.

Emil Nolde – World and Home
Würth Collection and loans from Nolde Stiftung Seebüll
Museum Würth 2
7 April 2025 – 28 September 2025
Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00
Free admission

An active life
90 years Reinhold Würth
80 years Würth Group
Atrium of Museum Würth 2, Künzelsau
7 April 2025 – February 2026
Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00
Free admission

Museum Würth 2
Am Forumsplatz 1
74653 Künzelsau
www.KunstKultur.wuerth.com
App Würth Collection

Würth Group donates EUR 100,000 for earthquake victims in Southeast Asia

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:30:00 +0200

Würth Group donates EUR 100,000 for earthquake victims in Myanmar and Thailand. © Marian Lenhard

On Friday, 28 March 2025, a heavy earthquake hit Myanmar and Thailand. The epicenter of the earthquake was a few kilometers from the city of Mandalay in Myanmar, which is home to more than a million people. Houses have collapsed; roads, bridges, and water pipes have been severely damaged or destroyed. Many people are still missing and electricity and communications have been cut off in some parts of the country.

“We have been deeply affected by the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. We consider it our corporate responsibility to society to support people in need. With our donation, we would therefore like to provide quick and unbureaucratic relief,” says Bettina Würth, Member of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group.

The money will be donated to a major aid organization, which is particularly committed to the welfare of children and young people and has an international network. The aid organization is on site and is providing emergency aid by providing important relief items such as tents and tarpaulins as well as medical aid.

The Würth Group has three companies in Thailand and employs around 260 people there.

Delivering with even greater reliability: Würth inaugurates highly automated logistics expansion

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:31:31 +0100

“The expansion of the Distribution Center West is an important step towards further enhancing the reliability of our logistics. With this investment, we will remain competitive and strengthen the Hohenlohe region, in which our company is firmly rooted,” emphasized Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth, Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group.

The commissioning of the logistics expansion constitutes a milestone in the logistics strategy of the Würth Group. In the state-of-the-art logistics center, the processes are fully integrated into the existing logistics infrastructure to avoid delivery splits to the customer.

With the new distribution center, Würth has increased its picking and storage capacities by 37 percent. The highly automated shuttle system, featuring over 104,000 container storage spaces, enables the picking of around 48,000 additional order lines daily in its final development stage. The new building is seamlessly connected to the existing logistics centers via an advanced conveyor system. "Looking ahead, we have established the logistical foundation to support the company’s continued growth in the coming years," said Thomas Wahl, Managing Director and Head of Logistics at Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG.

For the strategic development of logistics, the Würth Group has set itself the goal of achieving an automation level of 75 percent in the companies with the highest sales volumes by 2030. The use of artificial intelligence and robotics will help us achieve this goal, increasing automation and digitalization levels across operations. This state-of-the-art technology not only ensures reliable deliveries in the future but also reduces packaging and filler materials by 30 percent.

Changes in the Central Management Board of the Würth Group

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 08:58:27 +0100

Since joining the Würth Group in 2016, Dr. Jan Allmann has contributed greatly to the Würth Group’s successful growth over the years. “We are very grateful for his work and dedication and wish him all the best for the future,” said Sebastian Würth, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Würth Group.

With regard to the future growth of the company, the Central Management Board will be expanded to seven members. The business unit Würth Line Craft, which has so far been headed by Dr. Jan Allmann, will be divided into different regions: In the future, Norbert Heckmann (57) will be responsible for Europe, Tom O’Neill (54) for North America, while the regions Asia, South America, Africa and Oceania will be headed by Dr. Reiner Specht (59).

All colleagues have been working as Executive Vice Presidents, who are responsible for the operational management of the Würth Group. Norbert Heckmann is also Chairman of the Management of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG; Dr. Reiner Specht has been a deputy member of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group.

Würth Group generates sales at previous year’s level

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 19:15:43 +0100

The persistently weak economic situation, particularly in the manufacturing industry, had a major impact on the Würth Group’s sales development. “Given the economic and political conditions, I am pleased to report that the Würth Group was able to maintain its sales level of EUR 20 billion,” says Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group. This development was primarily driven by the trade-related areas, which showed a stable sales trend.

“In 2024, we stuck to our countercyclical strategy and invested when others scaled back. Our focus is on keeping goods available and maintaining our delivery readiness for our more than four million customers worldwide,” Friedmann said. In Germany, the Würth Group’s domestic market, the Group companies generated sales of EUR 8.0 billion (–4.1 percent). The companies outside Germany were able to achieve slight sales growth due to acquisitions, among other things. The regions Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, and South America deserve special mention.

Currently, the Würth Group has 88,393 employees worldwide, with 44,900 employees working in sales. Around 1,900 employees joined the company through acquisitions. S&P Global Ratings once again confirmed the Würth Group’s ‘A/outlook stable’ rating in June 2024 and thus its sound financial footing.

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 88,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. According to its preliminary annual financial statements, the Group generated sales of EUR 20.2 billion in the 2024 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Next generation succession in the Würth Group

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:46:52 +0100

1. Supervisory Board of the Würth Group
Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth (89), the prominent leader of the Würth Group for decades, will hand over his position as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group to his grandson Benjamin Würth (43). Benjamin Würth has been working for the company for 25 years and has gained extensive professional experience both at a national and international level. Reinhold Würth will remain Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group.

2. Advisory Board of the Würth Group
The Advisory Board of the Würth Group consists of nine members, most of which are non-family members. It has been chaired by Bettina Würth (63), the daughter of Reinhold Würth, since 2006. Bettina Würth will hand over her position as chair of the Advisory Board to her nephew Sebastian Würth (39). Sebastian Würth has been working for the company since 2012 and holds a Master of Arts in Family Entrepreneurship. Bettina Würth is also a member of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group, and will become Honorary Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of the Würth Group.

3. Executive Vice President of the Würth Group for Arts and Culture
C. Sylvia Weber (63), in charge of art and cultural activities, will transfer most of her tasks to Maria Würth (34), the daughter of Bettina Würth. Maria Würth holds a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Tübingen and, mentored by C. Sylvia Weber, has prepared herself for this position since 2018.

The succession of these three positions has been prepared for a long time. Both the family and the company attach great importance to continuity once the successors, who have known the company from their earliest age, will have taken over. This will ensure that the corporate culture we live by will be continued without any disruptions.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production, and sale of fastening and assembly materials. Other trading and production companies, the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesaling and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 88,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,700 shops across 80 countries. The Group generated sales of EUR 20.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth is an official partner of the 2025 IHF Handball World Championships

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:47:00 +0100

The collaboration encompasses both major handball events in 2025: the IHF Men’s World Championship taking place in January across Norway, Denmark, and Croatia, followed by the IHF Women’s World Championship in December in Germany and the Netherlands. This partnership shows Würth’s commitment to supporting handball on a global scale.

Würth will benefit from an extensive package of marketing rights, ensuring broad exposure across both live event settings and global broadcast channels. This includes prominent branding opportunities within the arenas and across key televised moments, enabling Würth to reach millions of fans worldwide and maximize engagement with handball enthusiasts.

Fritz Hollweck, Head of Sports Sponsorship at Würth, confirms: "We are proud to be a partner of the Handball World Championship 2025. Team spirit, precision and a good portion of passion–these are not only success factors in handball, but also values that we live by at Würth. Together with the players, fans and organizers, we are looking forward to exciting matches.

"We are excited to welcome Würth as a partner for the 2025 IHF Men’s and Women’s World Championships," said Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE. "This partnership goes beyond traditional sponsorship, with Würth strategically activating their brand across both tournaments to maximize engagement. Their commitment to both the men’s and women’s competitions reflects our shared goal of advancing handball’s profile on the world stage."

Museum Würth to show a comprehensive exhibition on Christo and Jeanne-Claude, “Wrapped, tied, stacked.”

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:16:21 +0100

The exhibition will show some 120 original collages, drawings, models, photographs and videos from the Würth Collection.
The exhibition takes place on the occasion of the artist couple’s 90th birthday; both were born on 13 June 1935. In addition, they had a very personal relationship with the collector Reinhold Würth, which resulted in two artistic projects: the transformation of Museum Würth in Künzelsau into a walk-in interior installation in 1995, and the wrapping of a seven-meter-long hornbeam for the Würth Collection in 2011.

Christo started altering objects in Paris in 1958. He wrapped cans and bottles, built first installations with barrels and transformed everyday objects into sculptures. The exhibition shows many of his top-notch early works that already impressively demonstrate Christo’s artistic idea: wrapping familiar things to allow for new perspectives on them and make room for new interpretations. Starting in the 1960s, the artist couple had become increasingly successful in doing that in both urban and rural areas.

What unites many of their projects is fabric as a medium, whether it folds around buildings, rocks or trees as an outer shell, serves as a pink surrounding of entire islands off Miami or highlights floating platforms on Lake Iseo in bright yellow. Stacked oil barrels are another recurring theme in the work of the artist duo. An important aspect in Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s art is transcience. Their installations are limited in time and create unique images that are elusive in nature, changing what already exists, but is now perceived anew. On the other hand, the master drawings, collages and models Christo makes in preparation remain preserved. Their sale guaranteed the artist couple independence and freedom in their implementation by financing even the most complex projects themselves. The Würth Collection contains one of the largest collections of works by Christo and Jeanne-Claude worldwide, which comprises more than 130 original works, rounded off by more than 30 photographs by Harry Shunk and Wolfgang Volz.

Entrepreneur and collector Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth maintained a friendship with the artist couple. He recalled: “Our first contact was in Hamburg in 1994, and we instantly connected. In the course of the many meetings with Christo and Jeanne-Claude, we first became acquaintances and then a close friendship developed; our encounters in Hong Kong, New York and many European cities were an enrichment for me and my understanding of art. For me, the highlight of the artistic creation of Christo and Jeanne-Claude was clearly the wonderful wrapping of the Reichstag building in Berlin. Few visual artists moved an entire population to the extent Christo and Jeanne-Claude succeeded in doing so in Berlin in 1995.”

In her contribution to the exhibition catalog, published by Swiridoff Verlag, the then President of the German Parliament and politician Prof. Dr. Rita Süssmuth wrote: “For me, it was a political project that not only bore grandness, but also had its own, peaceful message to Berlin and the world. This was not aggressive Germany. It was a message of art and culture that shone into the world. And another aspect of this type of art is special: It seems transient, it does not belong to anybody. This type of art can only be experienced if you see it with your own eyes. Christo and Jeanne-Claude attached great importance to this “democratic” aspect of their art. In addition, they always recycled their materials used.”

C. Sylvia Weber, Director of the Würth Collection and joint curator along with Kirsten Fiege, said about the exhibition: “Christo and Jeanne-Claude undoubtedly shifted the dimension of what had been conceivable as a work of art until then. Their boldness to wrap a building or monument, or surround an entire coast, did not change the world, but how we see it. To this day, we are still puzzled if familiar objects are wrapped or only altered by Christo, to escape our gaze. His early sculptures in the Würth Collection offer an opportunity to feel this. The second skin he put over the objects triggers our imagination. The large-scale projects designed with Jeanne-Claude, on the other hand, were always a celebration of the moment.”

Wrapped, tied, stacked –
Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Würth Collection
Museum Würth
11 November 2024 to 12 April 2026
Open daily from 11:00 to 18:00
Free admission

Museum Würth
Reinhold-Würth-Straße 15
74653 Künzelsau
www.kunst.wuerth.com
Würth Collection app

Würth Group successfully issues a EUR 500 million bond

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 17:21:56 +0200

Prior to issuing the bond, the company held a comprehensive roadshow on 14 and 15 October 2024 to inform investors in various European countries about the details of the issue and the company’s strategic plans, which met with great interest.

“The positive response to our roadshow and the high demand for our bond underlines the confidence investors have in our strategy and the company’s financial stability,” said Ralf Schaich, CFO and member of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group. “We took this opportunity to inform our investors about the business model, the current business development, and our further development strategy.”

The bond was issued as part of the company’s capital market-oriented financing strategy by its finance company Würth Finance International B.V. and is secured by an unconditional, irrevocable guarantee of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG. The proceeds from the transaction will be used to refinance the EUR bond maturing in May 2025 at an early stage and to strengthen the Würth Group’s financing and liquidity base for general corporate purposes in the long term. The issue was led by the joint bookrunners BofA Securities, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, and LBBW.

The bond is listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The rating agency S&P Global Ratings is expected to give the bond an “A, outlook stable” rating, which reflects the Würth Group’s solid credit rating and sustainable business model. Further details on the terms and conditions of the bond and the roadshow presentations are available at wuerthfinance.net.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production, and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 88,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,700 shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 20.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Legal Disclaimer
This press information neither constitutes an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities nor an invitation to otherwise purchase securities. It does furthermore not create the basis for a contract on the purchase or subscription of securities. This press release neither constitutes an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer addressed to any person in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful for such an offer or solicitation to be addressed.

Potential investors are requested to make their investment decisions regarding the securities referred to in this press release solely based on the information provided in the prospectus as approved and published by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier, Luxemburg (“CSSF”). The prospectus will be published by Würth Finance International B.V. on the website www.wuerthfinance.net

Reinhold Würth celebrates 75 years at work

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 19:59:33 +0200

Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group, and Norbert Heckmann, Chairman of the Management of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, welcomed the guests, and Reinhold Würth’s three grandchildren, Benjamin Würth, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group, Sebastian Würth, Member of the Advisory Board of the Würth Group and Maria Würth, Deputy Executive Vice President of the Würth Group for Arts and Culture, gave a brief insight into the time they spent together.

„I stand before you, immensely grateful, and in all modesty and humility, knowing that I would never have achieved the success we are seeing today without the hard work and the loyalty of these 88,000 people from all these different cultures, different backgrounds, with different nationalities, and different religions,“ said Professor Würth.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also offered his congratulations on this special occasion in Künzelsau: “It is thanks to entrepreneurs like Reinhold Würth that Germany has such a strong economy. His entrepreneurial courage and his tireless commitment to the company and its employees are impressive and deserve my respect and admiration. The company’s success is exemplary of one of the most important pillars of Germany as a business location: More than three million family businesses create and maintain more than half of the jobs subject to social insurance,” the Chancellor said in his speech.

Some of Professor Würth’s favorite pieces of music — performed by the Gaechinger Cantorey of the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart and the Würth Philharmoniker orchestra — accompanied the ceremony. The evening opened with “Finlandia”, a tone poem by Jean Sibelius. Later performances included the “Huntsmen’s Chorus” from the opera “Der Freischütz” by German composer Carl Maria von Weber and the “Priests’ Chorus” from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” opera. The program was rounded off with the “Singschule” from Albert Lortzing’s “Zar und Zimmermann” opera.

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 88,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,700 shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 20.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Museum Würth 2 exhibits “Ugo Rondinone – solar spirit”, the winner of the 15th Robert Jacobsen Prize by the Würth Foundation

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 13:53:16 +0200

Künzelsau. The conceptual, media and installation artist Ugo Rondinone, born in Brunnen, Switzerland, in 1964, is one of the best-known artists of his generation worldwide and has shown his works in numerous solo exhibitions in London, Paris, Boston, Zurich, Rotterdam and Frankfurt, among others. After all, his monumental groups of works can repeatedly be found dominating public space, whether in urban contexts such as New York and Paris or in the Nevada desert. Seemingly with ease, Rondinone pursues the original nature of his motifs and plays with a universally understandable vocabulary or, as he puts it himself, “the visual alphabet of archetypes,” which can be experienced through the works presented in Künzelsau.

He puts the weighty materials of his expansive sculptures, such as stone or bronze, in contrast with a naïve aesthetic of form and poetic subtlety. For example, the primordial installation made up of bronze fish floating freely in the room transforms the belvedere of Museum Würth 2 into a kind of aquarium of origins, in which visitors can literally immerse themselves. The circular arrangement of his sculpture group sunrise. east symbolizes the course of the year with the help of twelve sometimes grotesque aluminum heads alluding to the months. The wide range of ambivalent human emotions is reflected in their faces in such a striking way that sometimes remind you of the pictorial idiom used in comics or the currently ubiquitous emojis. The great importance of idiom in Rondinone’s oeuvre is also evident in autumn moon: The title promises an autumn moon; what we see, however, is a cast of a 2,000-year-old olive tree that Rondinone presents as a “time capsule”. The moon itself is only implied indirectly in the shine of the enameled surface. The colossal stone figure the loyal, eight meters high and weighing in at around 40 tons, also impresses not only with its sheer size. It is the most recent work featured in the exhibition and made of stone, the most original material for Rondinone. This brings the works presented in Künzelsau full circle when it comes to the materials used.

The exhibition “Ugo Rondinone – solar spirit. 15th Robert Jacobsen Prize by the Würth Foundation“ at Museum Würth 2, Künzelsau, can be visited daily from 10:00 to 18:00 until 23 March 2025. Admission is free.

About the Robert Jacobsen Prize

After the death of sculptor Robert Jacobsen in 1993, the Würth Foundation endowed the Robert Jacobsen Prize in cooperation with Museum Würth. Every other year, it is awarded to contemporary visual artists to commemorate Robert Jacobsen’s oeuvre and influence. After their first accidental encounter in the 1970s, the Danish sculptor and Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth, entrepreneur and art collector, became long-standing friends. In 1991, Jacobsen completed his largest sculpture installation on the forecourt of the Würth Group’s new administration building, which has characterized the look of the Group’s headquarters ever since. The Robert Jacobsen Prize is endowed with EUR 50,000.

In 2021, the artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset was awarded the prize, in 2018/19 Eva Rothschild, in 2016/17 Yngve Holen, in 2014/15 Michael Sailstorfer, in 2012 Jeppe Hein, in 2010 Alicja Kwade, in 2008 Monika Sosnowska, in 2005/6 Bernar Venet, in 2003 Rui Chafes, in 2001 Stephan Kern, in 1999 Gereon Lepper, in 1997 Magdalena Jetelová, in 1995 Richard Deacon and in 1993 Lun Tuchnowski.

The international jury of the 15th Robert Jacobsen Prize is made up of Dr. Christoph Becker, former Director of Kunsthaus Zürich; Dr. Philipp Demandt, Director of the Städel Museum and Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung; Prof. Dr. Michael Eissenhauer, former Director General of Staatliche Museen zu Berlin; Fabrice Hergott, Director of Musée d'Art moderne de Paris; Prof. Dr. Bernhard Maaz, Director General of Bavarian State Painting Collections, Munich, together with the previous prize winners artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset as well as C. Sylvia Weber, Director of the Würth Collection, and Maria Würth, Member of the Board of the Würth Foundation.

On the occasion of the award, Swiridoff-Verlag will publish a book on Ugo Rondinone with contributions by Philipp Demandt and Maja Lisewski, at a price of EUR 16.

About the Würth Foundation

Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold and Carmen Würth founded the Würth Foundation in 1987. As a civil law foundation based in Künzelsau, Germany, it promotes charitable and benevolent causes. The Würth Foundation supports a wide range of projects in the fields of education and science, integration and social affairs as well as art and culture. Its activities focus on the Heilbronn-Franconia region and are supported by the German Würth Group companies, in particular Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG.

Würth Group satisfied with first half of 2024

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Over the past twelve months, the Group created over 300 jobs in the fields of digitalization and IT. Currently, the Würth Group has 88,616 employees worldwide, with 44,437 employees working in sales. Around 1,200 employees joined the company through acquisitions.

The sales volume generated by the German companies of the Würth Group amounted to EUR 4.0 billion compared to EUR 4.2 billion in the same period last year. The companies outside Germany reported a slight drop in sales of 1.8 percent year over year. Within the Würth Group’s core business, the Auto Division reported positive growth of 4.2 percent. Among the Group’s Allied Companies, the Chemicals unit is developing positively (+6.6 percent). With the approval of the European Commission, the Würth Group successfully acquired 80 percent of the shares of IDG01 S.p.A., the leading electrical wholesaler in Italy’s Piedmont region, based in Turin, on 1 July 2024. This strengthens the market position of the Electrical Wholesale unit in Italy, facilitating further growth in this market. The company has 580 employees across 41 locations, and generated sales of EUR 285 million in 2023.

At EUR 525 million, the operating result of the Würth Group is down year over year (2023: EUR 680 million) as a result of the lower sales volume in the first half of the year. The Würth Group continues to rest on a robust financial basis. S&P Global Ratings once again confirmed the Würth Group’s ‘A/outlook stable’ rating in June 2024.

According to analyses by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), the German economy is recovering slowly: The institute’s experts revised their forecasts upwards, predicting economic growth of 0.3 percent in 2024 and 1.3 percent in 2025. The global economy saw moderate growth in the first six months of the year, with global trade improving slightly. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) expects the global economy to continue along this trajectory. Europe, where private consumption is recovering due to higher real wages, is driving growth.

Provided the macroeconomic and geopolitical situation remains stable, the Group expects a comparable sales level as in 2023 and a decline in the operating result this year.

Social commitment is part of Würth even in challenging times. As a family business, Würth feels a duty to support the well-being of others and live up to the responsibilities that come with ownership. As part of a worldwide campaign week, the Würth Group supported the UN Children’s Fund UNICEF for the seventh time, this time by donating EUR 405,000 to an aid program that provides children in Sudan with access to safe learning spaces and safeguards their future. The campaign, RW WORKOUT Week, which gave rise to this donation, has been an integral part of the cooperation between the inside staff and the sales force of Würth Group companies for 34 years.

The next Press Conference on the Annual Financial Statements of the Würth Group will take place on 7 May 2025.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 88,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,700 shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 20.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. With over 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth Group to become new main sponsor of Salzburg Festival in 2025

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:50:00 +0200

The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production, and sale of fastening and assembly materials and the life’s work of Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth, who turned his father’s two-person business into a globally leading trading group with more than 2,700 shops in over 80 countries.

Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth, one of the world’s most ambitious art collectors and supporters, and the Würth Group have been supporting Salzburg Festival since 2016, the Ouverture Spirituelle concert series since 2018 and the jung&jede*r children’s and youth program since 2022.

“We are very grateful and sincerely touched that Prof. Reinhold Würth and the Würth Group have more than doubled their already generous sponsorship. Our profound conversations have shown that we are just as united by our idea of quality as we are by our belief in the power of art. I see this extended sponsorship as a confirmation of our work so far and as a mandate to remain unwaveringly true to the intentions of our founding fathers even in difficult times,” said Festival President Dr. Kristina Hammer and thanked Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth and the Würth Group on behalf of Salzburg Festival's Board of Directors.

Art and culture are an integral element of the Würth Group’s corporate culture. The commitment to a vibrant cultural landscape reflects central aspects of the Würth Group, such as openness, internationality, and quality.

“I have a great passion for art, literature, architecture, and music. For me personally, the latter is indeed the highest of the arts and a special treat. Going home with a melody on my mind after a wonderful concert—that is what I call a splendid day,” said Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth.

The commitment of Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth and the Würth Group, especially in the field of the fine arts, has been shaping the cityscape of Salzburg for more than 30 years. The most prominent example of this commitment is the Walk of Modern Art, an art project spanning ten years that has resulted in a globally unique art trail in the heart of the World Heritage city. A total of 14 sculptures by internationally renowned artists connect the most beautiful places in Salzburg. Since 2013, the works displayed along the Walk of Modern Art have been on permanent loan from the Würth Collection to the city of Salzburg. Apart from his responsibility for the staff and the company, his responsibility to society plays a central role for Reinhold Würth.

Short biography of Reinhold Würth

At the age of 19, Reinhold Würth took over the management of the family business in 1954 following his father’s early death. Back then, the company had two employees. Today, the Group employs more than 87,000 people. Acting with a far-sighted strategy and vision and supported by his mother Alma Würth, Reinhold Würth successfully continued the business and added one success to the next. Starting in 1962, local companies were gradually established on all continents. In recognition of his outstanding social and cultural commitment as well as his entrepreneurial achievements, Reinhold Würth was awarded the German Founder’s Prize for his life’s work, the Grand Cross of Merit of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the French medal “Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” acknowledging his extraordinary merits in the cultural cooperation between Germany and France. Lending a hand and finding new ideas and solutions that help customers in their day-to-day business are guiding principles at Würth. “Looking beyond the mountain and around the next corner” and leaving the well-trodden paths has always been one of Reinhold Würth’s basic rules for the company. His motto: “We are our customers’ employees.”

Würth Group donates EUR 405,000 to UNICEF

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:25:40 +0200

Donation as a result of a worldwide campaign week
In Berlin on 14 June 2024, the Würth Group presented a donation check to UNICEF for the seventh time. The occasion for the donation was the Group’s RW WORKOUT Week, a worldwide sales campaign in which inside and sales staff team up, this year raising a total donation of EUR 405,000.

“Millions of children around the world cannot go to school. With this donation for safe learning spaces in Sudan, we want to restore access to education for children in the midst of the deep education crisis so that they can not only go to school, but also be kids despite the difficult situation,” says Bettina Würth, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of the Würth Group and member of the UNICEF Committee for Germany, on the company’s commitment.

Sudan: safe learning spaces for children
The donation will be used for the UNICEF aid program aiming to provide safe learning spaces for children in the midst of the brutal conflict in Sudan. Even before the outbreak of the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, around 8.5 million children needed humanitarian aid. Today, the country faces one of the largest displacement and education crises in the world. Around 14 million children need humanitarian aid and 19 million children are no longer able to attend school due to the closure of 18,000 schools in conflict areas. In addition to a lack of education, children are at risk of being recruited by armed groups and subjected to sexual violence.

The donation will serve to set up safe learning spaces providing children and adolescents with access to protection, social contacts and education. UNICEF equips the learning spaces with learning materials and toys and sees to the psychological and psychosocial support of children. If the safety situation does not permit for children to attend school in person, they can learn at home using an e-learning program on solar-powered tablets. The UNICEF facilities also support family members by providing them with access to water and healthcare.

Georg Graf Waldersee, Chairman of the UNICEF Committee for Germany, says: “For the seventh consecutive year, numerous dedicated employees of the Würth Group have shown exceptional commitment during its campaign week, making a significant contribution to UNICEF’s work for children in need. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Würth Group for supporting UNICEF’s work once again. The current humanitarian situation in Sudan is dramatic; the armed conflict has caused great hardship for millions of children and families. In a situation like this, providing children with protected, safe spaces and enabling them to continue learning, playing and exchanging ideas with others is of vital importance, helping them to better process what they have experienced and to regain courage.”

About the RW WORKOUT Week
For more than 34 years, RW WORKOUT Week has been an integral part of the cooperation between the inside staff and the sales force of Würth Group companies. During this ride-along campaign, inside employees accompany sales representatives on their daily customer visits. This does not only boost their cooperation, but also gives both the sales force and the customers the opportunity to suggest improvements and ideas to inside staff in personal conversations. More than 10,300 ride-alongs were performed worldwide within the framework of the 2024 RW WORKOUT Week.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 87,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,700 shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 20.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. With over 7,900 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Irish writer Colm Tóibín wins the 14th Würth Prize for European Literature

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:37:19 +0200

“I am grateful that the emotion in these books, unresolved and coiled as it is, given structure and some kind of shape, has been somehow shared by readers,” Colm Tóibín said in his acceptance speech. “I hope, or I often do, these novels might offer the reader a kind of comfort, or at least a recognition that comes as we turn down the light in a room so that an image on the screen, faltering first and shadowy and uncertain, might slowly become apparent, if only for a moment.”

Literary critic and journalist Prof. Lothar Müller, member of the jury, honored Tóibín in his laudatory speech as “cosmopolitan with deep roots to his home”, a “public intellectual”, a great narrator, essayist; and university teacher. “The jury gave Colm Tóibín the award not only for his artful representation of people in his novels and essays, but also expressly for his lucid interpretations and lectures.”

“The European focus of the prize is gaining in importance in these times,” said Maria Würth. The winner treated “in his books the strong bond with one’s home, regardless of history, religion and nationalism.”

In her welcome address, Petra Olschowski, Minister of Science, Research and Arts of Baden-Württemberg, underlined that the Würth Prize for European Literature gives credit to the importance and many voices of the literary work shaped by and radiating beyond Europe. “Including all the knowledge about what unites and separates us in Europe, in this incredibly fascinating world of European art and culture, of which the work of Colm Tóibín has also become a fundamental part.”

Colm Tóibín, born in Enniscorthy in Wexford County in 1955, reached international acclaim for “The Master”, his novel about Henry James, which was published in 2004. He has established himself as one of the most important Irish contemporary writers with novels such as the immigrant saga “Brooklyn” (2009), the film adaptation of which had three Oscar nominations, “Nora Webster” (2014) and “The Magician”, a novel about Thomas Mann. As a screenwriter, he collaborated with Volker Schlöndorff on the script for the film “Return to Montauk” (2017). His work, which began in 1994, has been awarded numerous prizes, including three nominations for the Man Booker Prize. His most recent publication “Long Island”, a sequel to “Brooklyn”, was released in May 2024.

About the Würth Prize for European Literature

The Würth Prize for European Literature recognizes literary commitment to Europe’s cultural diversity. The Würth Foundation awards the prize, which comes with a prize money of EUR 25,000, every two years. The jury, chaired by C. Sylvia Weber, Executive Vice President for Arts and Culture of the Würth Group and member of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Foundation, consists of Prof. Lothar Müller, Prof. Ulrich Raulff, Denis Scheck, Marie Schmidt, Prof. Jürgen Wertheimer; and Annie Ernaux, 2022 winner of the Würth Prize for European Literature.

The winners of the prize since 1998:

2024 Colm Tóibín
2022 Annie Ernaux
2020 David Grossman
2018 Christoph Ransmayr
2016 Peter Handke
2014 Péter Nádas
2012 Hanna Krall
2010 Ilija Trojanow
2008 Peter Turrini
2006 Herta Müller
2004 Harald Hartung
2002 Claude Vigée
2000 Claudio Magris
1998 Hermann Lenz

Würth Group sets a new sales record

Tue, 14 May 2024 12:09:35 +0200

Sales exceed EUR 20 billion for the first time
Operating result at EUR 1.5 billion
Share of e-business sales up
Intelligent construction site management as a response to skilled worker shortages

It is crucial to be able to offer solutions to current requirements such as sustainable construction. To give you an example: Electric cars weigh one third more than cars with a combustion engine. Würth’s Relast^® reinforcement system makes it possible to increase the load-bearing capacities of existing parking garages. This means these parking garages do not need to be torn down or rebuilt. This countercyclical approach already helped the Würth Group successfully overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. We invested in delivery capacities and good customer service.

Innovation at Würth means understanding the challenges our customers face

Würth’s research and development work addresses new issues such as sustainable construction, new technologies such as artificial intelligence or the Internet of Things (IoT) for greater efficiency on the construction site and, of course, the further development of its core business. Millions of plastic multi-purpose anchors are used by tradespeople every year. “Our vision was to develop an anchor that can shorten installation processes and reduce costs,” said Heiko Rosskamp, Head of Product Management and Development at Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG. “This is what we achieved with SHARK^® TWIST. This anchor works with almost any common building material.”

Thinking ahead in construction site management

The skilled trades are faced with enormous challenges. In its 2023/2024 Skilled Workers Report, the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce reported that more than 50 percent of companies in Germany are unable to fill vacancies in the construction industry. In addition, companies are confronted with increasing energy costs, new requirements for sustainable construction, and a challenging urban transport infrastructure.

“The modular prefabrication offered by Würth in the field of building service systems (TGA) is a major opportunity to reduce costs significantly and increase efficiency on the construction site,” explained Heiko Rosskamp. Würth pre-assembles all of the heating and ventilation piping systems on these modules. “At the large construction site in the FOUR quarter in Frankfurt am Main, 558,000 individual parts could be reduced to 3,500 assembly units, which significantly reduced the construction time.”

Networked technology: Würth makes its expertise available to customers

At Reinhold Würth Innovation Center Curio, Würth is developing IoT-compatible cordless power tools. Power tools equipped with sensors, radio technology and software are networked via a cloud solution and can access Würth’s application knowledge. Customers can transfer relevant processing data from the cloud directly to their power tool via the IoT module in the rechargeable battery of the power tool. For Würth customers, this means an enormous increase in efficiency in times of a shortage of skilled workers and increasing documentation requirements.

Germany: the most important individual market

Accounting for more than 40 percent of sales, Germany is the most important individual market for the Würth Group. The German companies achieved a 5.6 percent increase in sales in the 2023 fiscal year; against the backdrop of a declining gross domestic product, this is a positive development. Sales of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, the Group’s parent company and largest single company, grew by 6.1 percent. Outside Germany, the Würth Group’s sales grew slightly by 0.2 percent compared to the previous year.

Within the core business of Würth, the Auto division (+8.7 percent) and Metal division (+5.7 percent) developed positively. Sales in the Chemicals unit of the Allied Companies grew by 8.9 percent. Increasing sales by 9.9 percent, the Electrical Wholesale unit reported the strongest growth. The unit’s growth was driven by the increasing demand for photovoltaic installations, heat pumps and charging stations for electric cars. The acquisition of three companies, IDG01 S.p.A. (Turin, Italy, the completion of this acquisition is still subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities), TIM S.A. (Wroclaw, Poland) and Johannes Kraft GmbH (Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany), is further strengthening the position of this business unit. The unit is planning sales of more than EUR 4 billion in 2024.

E-business channel reports sales growth of 10.4 percent

Reporting sales of EUR 4.6 billion and growth of 10.4 percent, the e-business channel continued its positive development in the 2023 fiscal year. Its share of total sales in the Würth Group increased to 22.4 percent, with the Würth app showing the strongest sales growth of 17.4 percent. Within the framework of the Group’s multi-channel sales model, the app is an important pillar of the e-business channel that makes it easier for Würth customers to procure goods.

More than 1,400 new employees

The Würth Group hired 1,410 new employees in the 2023 fiscal year. Currently, the Group employs 87,047 people, 43,967 of which work in sales. In Germany, the company has 27,128 employees.

Equity creates stability

A high level of equity financing provides security, particularly in challenging times. In the 2023 fiscal year, the Würth Group’s equity increased to EUR 8,761 million. This corresponds to an increase of 10.7 percent. The equity ratio grew to 48.7 percent (2022: 46.0 percent). The rating agency S&P Global confirmed the Würth Group’s “A/outlook stable” rating in 2023.

Focus on the second half of the year

The economic forecasts for Germany had been reduced significantly in the first months of the year: Today, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) merely predicts growth of 0.2 percent this year. Nevertheless, there are also positive news: Inflation has declined since the beginning of the year. As the Federal Statistical Office in Germany announced, the rate in April 2024 came to 2.2 percent, compared to 2.5 percent in February 2024. As a result, the capital markets are expecting the first interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB) in the coming weeks.

“We expect the macroeconomic situation to improve in the second half of 2024. What also makes us optimistic is the fact that we succeeded in acquiring 110,000 additional customers in the first four months of 2024, which is an indicator of us expanding our market share despite difficult framework conditions. The more than 4.3 million customers from various regions and business units make the Würth Group resilient against local or industry-specific economic cycles. For 2024 as a whole, we therefore expect sales to remain at the previous year’s level and a slight decline in the operating result. Assuming the economy will recover, the Group will stick to its plan of creating jobs in sales and IT as well as in the field of research and development,” Robert Friedmann said.

All content can also be found in our online 2023 Annual Report at www.wuerth.com/ar2023.

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 87,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,700 shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 20.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. With over 7,900 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth wins reta award for its digital sales assistant PICO

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 11:57:20 +0100

“PICO frees up time for our sales staff in the field as well as for our inside staff to respond better and more efficiently to the needs of our customers,” says Jens Neumann, Managing Director responsible for Sales Operations at Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG.

“The development of PICO is not only a technological milestone for us, but also evidence of our ambition to create added value through advanced IT solutions. This award underlines the innovative strength of Würth IT and motivates us to continue delivering top performances in digital transformation,” says Christian Berndt, Managing Director of Würth IT GmbH.

The chat and voice assistant is based on artificial intelligence and a large language model. PICO gives our sales reps more time, allowing them to focus on personal customer contact. Having PICO handy, the sales force can handle administrative tasks such as sending invoices or delivery notes via voice control on the go. PICO is constantly being developed further and will also provide support in other areas such as HR, logistics and vehicle fleet management in the future. The tool is an important component of Würth’s sales strategy and paves the way for future innovations.

About the reta awards

The reta awards were presented for the 17th time in Düsseldorf on 27 February 2024. These awards are presented by EHI, honoring outstanding technology projects in the retail sector. The focus of the awards is on the degree of innovation and strategic benefits of technology projects. The international jury selects three equally qualified winners in each of the five categories: Best Customer Experience, Best Instore Solution, Best Enterprise Solution, Best Connected Retail Solution and Best AI & Robotics Application. EHI and the German trade magazine Lebensmittel Zeitung further recognize the technology partners involved in the successful projects with the Top Supplier Retail prize.

A jury comprising representatives from the industry, universities, and research institutes determines the winners from the numerous submissions in five categories. This year, around 70 applications were submitted.

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 87,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,700 shops across 80 countries. According to the preliminary annual financial statements, the Group generated sales of EUR 20.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. With over 7,900 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth IT is the Würth Group’s global IT service provider. With more than 1,300 employees, the international full-service provider of holistic IT solutions and services is represented at various locations in Germany, India, China, Brazil, the USA, Switzerland and Italy. Würth IT customers include national and international trading and service companies both inside and outside the Würth Group.

Würth Electrical Wholesale Group acquires TIM S.A. in Poland

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:59:06 +0100

The management of TIM S.A. has been supporting Würth Group’s proposal during the whole process. The acquisition of the shares is performed by German based FEGA & Schmitt Elektrogroßhandel GmbH, one of the Würth Group’s electrical wholesale companies.

In March 2023, Würth Group concluded an agreement with a group of TIM’s shareholders including main shareholder Krzysztof Folta to acquire around 40 percent of the shares in TIM S.A. and issued a public tender offer for all shares to the shareholders of TIM S.A.. The transaction was subject to the approval of the responsible competition authorities. On January 25^th, 2024, this approval was granted including a condition acceptable to the buyer.

TIM S.A. operates the largest e-commerce platform for electrical wholesaling in Poland, generating more than 70 percent of its revenue purely through online channels. In addition, the company operates a powerful logistics platform through its fully owned subsidiary 3LP S.A.. This makes TIM S.A. an ideal fit for the Würth Group's current electrical wholesaling activities in Poland, which are grouped under the umbrella of W.EG Polska. With this acquisition, the Würth Group becomes the market leader in electrical wholesaling in Poland with access to additional e-commerce and logistics capacities. After the acquisition, both units of TIM S.A., the electrical wholesale company as well as the logistics company will continue to operate as stand-alone companies headed by the current management teams in their respective functions.

Ulrich Liedtke, Executive Vice President of W.EG and responsible for the business in eight European countries, explains: “The year 2021 marked a turning point in our development when we were able to expand our position in Poland with the acquisition of Kaczmarek Elektric S.A. and lay the foundation for W.EG Polska in its current structure. Further expanding on both, the underlying growth strategy and Würth Group’s culture whilst at the same time highly appreciating local entrepreneurship, we are confident that both, TIM’s electrical wholesale activity as well as its logistics wing will continue their success stories.

The companies are going to benefit twofold. Obviously, we are going to benefit from an enhanced cooperation within our enlarged Polish team. Beyond that, we hope that the mutual exchange of experience will support all European companies of the Würth Electrical Wholesale Unit and open new business opportunities for both of TIM’s operations.”

Krzysztof Folta, founder and CEO of TIM S.A. underlines: “Looking at the development opportunities for TIM S.A., I am convinced that joining forces with the Würth Group presents a very attractive outlook for all our stakeholders. Both operating arms of our company, the electrical online wholesaler as well as the logistics service wing of it, will maintain their integrity and offer all its employees an excellent perspective for the future. This is accompanied by a very attractive offer for our shareholders. To put it simple: TIM is going to continue its success story!”

About TIM Group
TIM S.A. was founded in 1987 in Wroclaw as a traditional electrotechnical wholesaler. In 2013 the company changed its business model to become a modern e-commerce player. Today, TIM S.A. operates a leading B2B e-commerce platform in Poland and is the country's leading electrical wholesaler. The company has the widest offer of electrotechnical products in Poland, available within 24 hours of placing an order. TIM S.A. currently employs over 320 people at its headquarters in Wroclaw and 16 sales offices throughout Poland. According to the preliminary unconsolidated financial data, TIM S.A. generated sales revenue of PLN 1.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year.
TIM S.A. has one subsidiary 3LP S.A. which was established in 2016 from the spin-off of TIM S.A.’s Logistics Department The company is the operator of six logistics centers in Poland, offering fulfillment services for entities active in the e-commerce market (also outside of the TIM Group, e. g. IKEA, Oponeo.pl). 3LP S.A. provides services using unique and state-of-the-art warehouse automatics solutions. It currently employs over 680 people. In 2023, 3LP S.A. sent more than 6.9 million packages and pallets from its logistics centers.

About the Würth Electrical Wholesale Group
The Electrical Wholesale Unit of the Würth Group is one of the leading electrical wholesalers on the European mainland. Ulrich Liedtke and Uwe Schaffitzel, Executive Vice Presidents of the Würth Group, are responsible for this business unit. In 2023, Würth Electrical Wholesale pulled in sales of EUR 3,8 billion and reported total growth of 10.0 percent over the previous year. This corresponds to roughly 18.5 percent of the Würth Group’s total sales volume.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 87,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,700 pick-up shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 20.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. With over 7,900 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth Electrical Wholesale Group expands into Western Italy via strategic partnership with IDG01

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:13:00 +0100

In February 2015, the Würth Electrical Wholesale Group entered the Italian market with the formation of a strategic cooperation with MEF s.r.l, headquartered in Florence. In July 2018, MEB s.r.l., based in Schio, joined W.EG Italia, adding a strong footprint in the Triveneto area. Thanks to the engagement of the entire team, continuous investments and a consistent long term growth strategy, sales have more than doubled and the number of employees has significantly grown since the start of the cooperation.

Ulrich Liedtke, Executive Vice President of W.EG and responsible for the business in eight European countries, explains: “Thanks to the success stories of MEF and MEB we are confident to further expand our market share in the central and northeastern part of Italy. However, it was obvious that we would greatly benefit from a strong addition in the northwest. We are very pleased that we were able to convince IDG01 to join our group. In Piedmont, we are gaining a strong position in a region which we were previously not represented in and are expanding our growth opportunities in Lombardy and Liguria. As with MEF and MEB before, IDG01 will become an independent, yet co-operating company within the Würth Electrical Wholesale network.”

Paolo Caraglio, CEO and Chairman of IDG01, underlines: “Looking at development opportunities for our company, I am convinced that the partnership with the Würth Group provides the best option. This will enable IDG01 to continue its growth strategy and benefit from central resources while maintaining its integrity and offering its employees a good perspective for the future.”

About IDG01 S.p.A..
The company was founded in Turin, Piedmont in 1980 and achieved a sales volume of EUR 285 million in 2023. It employs more than 580 individuals and operates out of 41 outlets. The product range consists mainly of lighting, building automation, low voltage power distribution and controls, renewable energy, cables and a broad portfolio of industrial automation products. The product offering is complemented by excellent customer support and other services. IDG01 S.p.A. is a highly respected and leading company in its markets. It serves more than 15,500 active customers with electrical installers representing the biggest group.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 87,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,700 pick-up shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 20.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. With over 7,900 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

EUR 20.4 billion in sales in 2023: Würth Group sets a new record

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:01:38 +0100

· Sales growth in Germany at 5.6 percent

· Würth Electrical Wholesale Group expands in Italy

· Core business in the skilled trades and business units Electrical Wholesale and Chemicals develop positively

The Würth Group, the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials reported annual sales of more than EUR 20 billion for the first time in its corporate history according to its preliminary financial statements on the 2023 fiscal year. Despite the tense global economic and political situation, the Group was able to grow again, even though the difficult conditions had an impact on the operating result. Sales grew by 2.4 percent. Adjusted for currencies, sales growth came out at 3.5 percent. The operating result is expected to remain below last year’s result at EUR 1.4 billion (2022: EUR 1.6 billion), the second-best result in the history of the Group.

“Given the cooling global economy, we are satisfied with the past fiscal year. The sales mark of EUR 20 billion is a special milestone for us. We were able to double our sales volume over the past nine years,” said Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group. “Last year, the Group’s heterogeneous structure across different industries and regions and our business model were once again the basis of our success. The construction sector, an important industry for the Würth Group, showed a slow sales development, which could be compensated for by other strategic business units such as the Electrical Wholesale unit.”

In addition to the ongoing conflict between China, Taiwan, and the US, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, inflation-driven cost increases, especially for energy and raw materials, and high lending rates that hampered demand in the construction industry also had a negative impact on the result.

“Achieving these results in such an environment shows that our more than four million customers greatly appreciate our products and services. They trust us and that is our most important objective. The Würth Group has proven in the past that it can overcome major challenges successfully. The solidarity of our employees and the support of the family, especially by Prof. Reinhold Würth and Bettina Würth, give us the necessary stability,” emphasized Robert Friedmann.

Companies of the Würth Group in and outside Germany

The Würth companies in Germany developed positively. The companies generated sales of EUR 8.3 billion, a sales plus of 5.6 percent. The companies outside Germany reported sales of EUR 12.1 billion (+0.3 percent). Among the different business units, Würth Line Craft continued to develop positively, reporting sales growth of 3.4 percent. Sales in the Chemicals unit of the Allied Companies grew by 7.5 percent. Reporting growth of 10.0 percent to EUR 3.8 billion, the business unit Electrical Wholesale stands out, having a major impact on the overall development of the Würth Group due to its high share of sales. Apart from service leadership, high product availability and above-average logistics expertise, the positive development was driven by the renewable energies boom, especially in the field of photovoltaic systems.

In Italy, the Würth Electrical Wholesale Group (W.EG) expanded its footprint by entering into a strategic partnership (controlling interest) with IDG01 S.p.A. in Turin, the leading electrical wholesaler in the Piedmont region. The planned transaction is subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities. In 2023, the company generated sales of EUR 285 million with more than 580 employees and 41 stores. The product range primarily covers the segments of lighting, building automation, low-voltage power distribution and control systems, renewable energy systems, cables, and a wide portfolio of industrial automation products.

With growth of 10.4 percent on the previous year, e-business sales remain successful. At EUR 4.6 billion, the share of e-business sales in total sales increased to 22.4 percent.

Würth Group has a total of 87,047 employees

The Würth Group hired 1,410 new employees in the 2023 fiscal year. Currently, the Group employs 87,047 people, 43,967 of which work in sales. In Germany, the company has 27,128 employees.

The Press Conference on the Annual Financial Statements of the Würth Group for the 2023 fiscal year will take place in a hybrid format at Reinhold Würth Innovation Center CURIO in Künzelsau, Germany, on Tuesday, 14 May 2024.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 87,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,700 shops across 80 countries. According to the preliminary annual financial statements, the Group generated sales of EUR 20.4 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. With over 7,900 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Colm Tóibín to receive 14th Würth Prize for European Literature

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:44:41 +0100

Multi-award-winning Colm Tóibín, born in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, in 1955, is considered one of the most important Irish authors of today. His oeuvre includes novels such as “Nora Webster” (2014) and “The Blackwater Lightship” (1999), but also spans across journalistic texts, reviews, drama, and more. He became widely known internationally with his captivating novel “The Master” about his favorite novelist, the American-British writer Henry James (2004). His novel “Brooklyn” (2009) was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film. As a screenwriter, he collaborated with Volker Schlöndorff on the script for the feature film “Return to Montauk” (2017). Most recently, his novel “The Magician” (2021) was published, in which he traces the life of Thomas Mann.

“Tóibín transfers the 19th century art of introspection, which was brought to mastery by Jane Austen, George Eliot and Henry James, to the 21st century, broaching the modernization of technology and civilization as well as the disruptions in gender relations,” the jury of the Würth Prize for European Literature highlighted in their statement. “Especially his heroines excel by their charisma: Irish emigrant Eilis Lacey from Enniscorthy in ‘Brooklyn’, the widow experiencing the return of a dead man beyond all chilling romanticism in ‘Nora Webster’, Clytemnestra, who confidently stands by her deed in the retelling of the Oresteia ‘House of Names’ (2017), and last but not least Mary, who is given a so far unheard voice to protest against her canonization as the Mother of God in ‘The Testament of Mary’ (2012).”

About the Würth Prize for European Literature

The Würth Prize for European Literature, endowed with EUR 25,000, is awarded every two years. The jury, chaired by C. Sylvia Weber, Executive Vice President of the Würth Group for Arts and Culture and Member of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Foundation, is composed of: Prof. Dr. Lothar Müller, Prof. Dr. h. c. Ulrich Raulff, Denis Scheck, Marie Schmidt, Prof. Dr. Jürgen Wertheimer and the 2022 winner of the Würth Prize for European Literature, Annie Ernaux.

Previous winners:
• 2022 Annie Ernaux
• 2020 David Grossman
• 2018 Christoph Ransmayr
• 2016 Peter Handke
• 2014 Péter Nádas
• 2012 Hanna Krall
• 2010 Ilija Trojanow
• 2008 Peter Turrini
• 2006 Herta Müller
• 2004 Harald Hartung
• 2002 Claude Vigée
• 2000 Claudio Magris
• 1998 Hermann Lenz

The Würth Group and the non-profit Würth Foundation grant EUR 50 million to promote cancer research

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 10:31:32 +0100

The Champalimaud Foundation is a global research pioneer and sets new standards in knowledge to promote human health and well-being. The foundation aims at becoming a global leader in scientific and technological innovation to diagnose, treat, and control diseases. Activities at the Champalimaud Center for the Unknown (CCU) in Lisbon focus on research in the areas of neuroscience and cancer.

The funding provided by the Würth Group and the non-profit Würth Foundation aims to support research into pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer is still one of the deadliest and at the same time one of the least researched forms of cancer.

Research is led by Prof. Dr. Markus W. Büchler, a world-renowned physician in the field of pancreatic cancer research and surgery. Junior and senior physicians and scientists work together at the research center to accelerate critical breakthroughs in research and to enable physicians around the world to defeat this dangerous disease.

“We are very grateful for the support of the Würth Group and the non-profit Würth Foundation, as it facilitates many years of cancer research. This grant will help us make new progress and provide better care to patients with pancreatic cancer around the world,” said Prof. Dr. Markus W. Büchler.

About the Champalimaud Foundation
The Champalimaud Foundation was created in 2004 by the last will of the Portuguese entrepreneur António Champalimaud. The Champalimaud Foundation essentially develops research in neurosciences, cancer and vision. Their mission is to actively develop advanced research and technological innovation programs, alongside the interdisciplinary delivery of clinical care in the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The clinical activity is patient-centered, through the personalization of care and promotion of quality of life.

About the Würth Foundation
Back in 1987, Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold and Carmen Würth established the Würth Foundation. As a civil law foundation based in Künzelsau, Germany, it promotes charitable and benevolent purposes. The Würth Foundation promotes a wide range of projects in the fields of art and culture, education and training, research and science, and integration. Its activities focus on the Heilbronn-Franconia region. The activities are supported by the German Würth Group companies, in particular Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG.

Würth donates EUR 1.7 million to Reinhold-Würth-Schule primary school and day care center in Gaisbach

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:02:59 +0100

In the Gaisbach part of Künzelsau, where the Würth company is headquartered, the town administration expects the number of citizens to double in the years to come, partly owing to the Haselhöhe I & II areas of new housing. At its meeting on 13 June 2023, the local council of Künzelsau therefore agreed to an architectural design competition for the comprehensive further development of the primary school and day care center infrastructure in Gaisbach. The campus in Gaisbach is expected to make this part of the town even more attractive, especially for young families.

The architectural design competition for the future development and design of the 1.9-hectare area around Reinhold-Würth-Schule primary school, the multi-purpose hall, and the adjacent urban areas is scheduled to begin in 2023. A completely new school building with cafeteria and schoolyard as well as a community and family center including a day care center for children are planned. Playing and sports areas will also be on the campus in Gaisbach. “Good day care centers and schools are a central criterion for parents when deciding where to live and work. Therefore, Würth as a family business fully supports the idea of including an education infrastructure in the development plans of the prosperous Gaisbach part of Künzelsau, allowing it to grow with it,” said Norbert Heckmann. Together with Maria Würth, Deputy Executive Vice President of the Würth Group for Arts and Culture, he handed over the donation check to Künzelsau mayor Stefan Neumann on 4 July 2023. “My grandfather has always attached great importance to giving something back to the society we live in. This donation puts his stance into practice. Children need the best educational opportunities from the very beginning,” said Maria Würth. Mayor Stefan Neumann thanked Würth for its important contribution: “Given the continuous growth of Gaisbach, it is essential to expand our educational and day care centers. The local council, the council of Gaisbach, and the town administration have intensively been dealing with this topic for some time now. The exceptionally high donation from the Würth company provides the decisive tailwind to this development.”

After the small ceremony, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG treated all the students present to a round of ice cream.

The architectural design competition is scheduled to be completed in 2024. After that, the winner’s design will be put into effect. The town administration estimates the total investment to amount to around EUR 30 million. Should the investigations and discussions show that the multi-purpose hall does not suffice in terms of space, the costs will increase. The inauguration of the new building of Reinhold-Würth-Schule primary school and the new community and family center is planned for 2027 or 2028.

67 children in four classes are currently attending Reinhold-Würth-Schule primary school. In the years to come, the school will no longer require one but two classes per grade. As of 2029, three classes per grade might be necessary. The day care center in Silcherstrasse currently consists of three groups with 65 children. In the medium term, up to six groups will be needed. The local council of Künzelsau has already approved the invitation to tender for the implementation of a six-group day care center in Silcherstrasse.

The Rimini Altar at Johanniterkirche

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:10:00 +0100

In 2017, an international research and conservation project taking several years was launched in Frankfurt on the Rimini Altarpiece, which once adorned the altar of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Rimini-Covignano, Italy. What started as a restoration project became a geochemical mystery hunt that led across Europe. The ensemble of 18 figures was not created in Italy, but rather by a Southern Dutch sculptor in Bruges, made of alabaster from the Steigerwald in Franconia, Germany. The spectacular results provided new impetus for art history research on the oeuvre of the mysterious Master of the Rimini Altarpiece.

In impressive snapshots, the Master draws viewers close to the action, turns them into witnesses of the crucifixion of Christ. The centerpiece is a dominating cross, on which hangs the fragile-looking crucified Christ. His thin legs are bent, his emaciated upper body is already tilted to the side, on his head hanging forward he wears the crown of thorns. Six apostles flank him on each side. In addition, Mary Magdalene, desperately clutching the base of the cross, the two condemned thieves at the cross, the mourning women, together with mother of Jesus sinking down in pain, the group around the converted centurion with his impressively designed shield and other male figures are gathered on Calvary.

All figures were carved in the round and formerly partially polychrome. Typically, they follow the formal aesthetic ideals of the so-called Beautiful Style (approx. 1380-1430), which is also known as the International Gothic Style because it was found throughout Europe. However, in the unsparing rendering of the dislocated limbs of the thieves or the finesse of the faces down to the wrinkles and folds of the eyelids, Realism is already breaking through, which was to become decisive for art throughout Europe in the following decades.

Johanniterkirche in Schwäbisch Hall: The Rimini Altar at Johanniterkirche. From 1 November 2023 to 7 April 2024. 11 am to 5 pm daily. Admission free of charge. www.kunst.wuerth.com

Würth becomes Official Partner of the EHF EUROs 2024

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0200

Martin Hausleitner, EHF Secretary General, said: “We are delighted to welcome Würth to the partners’ line-up for the two upcoming EHF EUROs. The Men’s EHF EURO 2024 will be a great opportunity to start a successful cooperation, while Würth seizes the opportunity to be present on the biggest stage of European handball and strengthen its brand in Germany and beyond. It makes us proud that Würth recognises the importance of women’s handball as they become an Official Partner for the Women’s EHF EURO in 2024. We look forward to making another step forward in the promotion of the women’s game.”

Fritz Hollweck, Head of Sport Sponsorships at Würth, said: “Handball being one of the most popular sports, we are happy to be a partner of the 2024 European Handball Championships. Handball and the skilled trades are a perfect match, because most of our customers work with their hands and can relate to the challenges of such a hands-on sport. It was very important for us to support the European Women's Championship. So far, the focus of many companies has been on football, so it was important for us to support other sports and draw attention to and promote women's handball in particular. We are looking forward to the two tournaments with exciting games and great performances.”

About Men's EHF EURO 2024
The Men’s EHF EURO 2024 will be played in Germany from 10 to 28 January. It is the first time that Germany hosts the European Handball Federation’s flagship national team event and the first time that a 24-team European Championship is played in a single country. Already the opening day is prone to set a world record, with the first matches being played at the 50,000-capacity MERKUR SPIEL ARENA in Dusseldorf, which is ready to witness the largest-ever crowd at a handball match. Afterwards, Berlin, Mannheim and Munich will host the six preliminary round groups. Hamburg and Cologne will be the main round venues, with Cologne’s LANXESS arena hosting the final weekend of the competition.

More info on ehfeuro.eurohandball.com/men/2024 and heretoplay.com

About Women’s EHF EURO 2024
The Women’s EHF EURO 2024 will take place in Austria, Hungary and Switzerland from 28 November to 15 December. It marks the first time that the women’s event is played with 24 teams and the first time that Switzerland hosts the women’s edition of the European Handball Federation’s flagship national team event. Two preliminary round groups each will be played in Basel (Switzerland), Innsbruck (Austria) and Debrecen (Hungary). The main round with two groups of six will be played in Debrecen and Vienna, with Austria’s capital hosting the final weekend.

More info on ehfeuro.eurohandball.com/women/2024.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 87,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,500 pick-up shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 19.9 billion in the 2022 fiscal year. With over 7,700 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Kunsthalle Würth in Schwäbisch Hall: extension to be opened in 2026

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 08:44:27 +0200

The architectural firm had already demonstrated a flair for creating a successful symbiosis of old and new in the new building in 2001. The extension of Kunsthalle Würth follows Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Reinhold Würth’s principle “growth is life and vitality”, with additional 600 m² of exhibition space, further enhancing the Würth Collection’s location in Schwäbisch Hall. A new tour of the building provides visitors with a better orientation.

In addition, the welcome area with museum store will be newly built and the café will be modernized and expanded to accommodate the high number of visitors of up to 250,000 people per year.

Along with office and depot space, the extension will also include a modern workshop room for creative-practical offerings that complement the classic educational program. To this aim, the boundaries of the premises around Kunsthalle Würth were realigned as early as 2013.

The complex construction project, not least because of the tightly built-up inner city location, including some renovation work in the existing building, is expected to be completed by 2026 following intensive planning.

Exciting showcase exhibitions during the renovation period

After “Rose Red, Grass Green, Quince Yellow. Botanic Mysteries in the Würth Collection“, showcase exhibitions based on works from the Würth Collection will be presented as usual free of charge at Adolf Würth Hall and in the former reception area from 17 November 2023. Owing to necessary technical modifications, two shorter closing times of the exhibition areas of Kunsthalle Würth are planned for a few months in the spring of 2024. Visitors are still welcome to discover the smaller showcase exhibitions and spend time in the Würth art shop and the cafeteria, both of which will remain open.

More than five million visitors since 2001

Kunsthalle Würth, ingeniously integrated into the old town of Katharinenvorstadt in Schwäbisch Hall by Danish architect Henning Larsen, was opened to a large audience in May 2001 in the presence of many prominent guests from politics, society and culture. Since then, 49 exhibitions from the Würth Collection have been on display in the timeless construction. More than five million visitors walked through its doors. Built within three years, Kunsthalle Würth quickly became one of the most successful private museums in Germany and a cultural attraction in the city of Schwäbisch Hall. Already after the first structural extension through the acquisition of the Sudhaus restaurant and conference venue, Kunsthalle Würth unfolded even more potential for the continuously growing Würth Collection with its new premises in the basement from 2004. It is sponsored by Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG. In 2001, the Würth Collection comprised around 6,000 works of art, meanwhile, the collection has grown to roughly 20,000 works of art.

Würth Group grows: sales increased by 5.9 percent to EUR 10.5 billion in the first half of 2023

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:00:00 +0200

The Würth Group, world market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials, reports sales of EUR 10.5 billion in the first half of 2023. This corresponds to an increase of 5.9 percent compared to the same period last year. Adjusted for currencies, this is equivalent to 6.6 percent.

The Group remains on course for growth, albeit at a much slower pace than in the previous two years. “We feel the slowdown in the economy in the first half of 2023: After two years of record sales and operating result, the economic slowdown is becoming apparent,” summarizes Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group.

After almost three years of the COVID-19 pandemic and related supply chain problems, the supply situation is improving for the Group. At the same time, interest rates remain at a high level, which, in turn, hampers the demand in the construction industry. Geopolitical challenges such as the smoldering conflict between China, Taiwan and the USA, as well as the war in Ukraine and the associated high energy prices influence the economic growth in Germany. “Against this backdrop, we are very satisfied with the development in the first half of 2023,” emphasizes Friedmann.

Companies in Germany and abroad
The companies of the Würth Group in Germany generated sales of EUR 4.2 billion and with almost double-digit growth (+9.6 percent) reported a positive development overall. It is pleasing to see that well-established companies of the Würth Group such as Würth Industrie Service in Bad Mergentheim, tool distributor HAHN+KOLB in Ludwigsburg and electrical wholesaler FEGA & Schmitt in Ansbach have made a decisive contribution to this successful result, which was achieved without acquisitions. The companies abroad generated sales of EUR 6.3 billion (+3.5 percent). Growth drivers were the companies in southern and eastern Europe.

Looking at the different industries in which Würth operates, we see a split picture: The Electrical Wholesale unit seamlessly continues the successes of the previous year growing by 17.3 percent in the first half of the year. This sector continues to benefit from the boom in renewable energies, especially in the field of photovoltaic installations. The companies of the Chemicals unit can also look back on strong growth in the first half of 2023. On the other hand, companies such as Würth Elektronik eiSos, manufacturers of fittings and the Trade unit are affected by the global economic slowdown.

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, the largest individual company in the Würth Group, generated sales of EUR 1.5 billion including intra-Group sales (+8.6 percent).

Focus on digitalization
Digitalization of processes is indispensable for the competitiveness of companies. The procurement of goods via digital channels such as the online shop or Würth App makes our customers’ day-to-day work easier. This is proven by the growth of e-business in the Würth Group: Sales went up by 15.2 percent compared to the previous year, accounting for 22.1 percent of total sales.

Employees
The Würth Group hired 1,409 employees in the first half of 2023. Currently, the Group employs 87,046 people, 43,859 of which work in sales. At the beginning of 2023, the number of employees worldwide came to 85,637. In Germany, the Group has 26,784 employees on the payroll.

Operating result
After six months, the operating result of the Würth Group amounts to EUR 680 million, which is slightly below the same period under review of last year (EUR 720 million). Apart from higher personnel expenses, this development is due to increased costs for mobility and maintenance, as well as the ongoing price pressure. The rating agency S&P Global has confirmed the Würth Group's A rating for over 25 years. This rating confirms the Group’s financial stability and sound financial footing. It is an expression of a positive credit rating as well as the continuous and successful development of the Group and thus a sign of the stability of the business model.

Social commitment is an integral element of Würth
“As a family business, we see it as our duty to grant support wherever possible. We want to live up to the Würth family’s commitment to ownership,” adds Friedmann on the voluntary commitment of roughly 100 Würth employees at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games, the world’s largest inclusive sports event, in Berlin. The Würth volunteers supported the competitions soccer, futsal and beach volleyball. As presenting partner, Würth also represented the beach volleyball competition with its logo. The commitment to people with disabilities is based on an initiative of Carmen Würth.

Outlook for the second half of the year
It is currently difficult to predict how the many conflict hotspots and their consequences such as high energy prices will affect the Würth Group. Even though the German economy is weakening, the global economy is slowly recovering according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). “On a positive note, the transport markets have clearly recovered and the COVID-19 pandemic is not as prevalent as before. In general, it can be said that supply chains have stabilized significantly again, which means that availability has almost reached the pre-crisis level. Procurement prices, which are still well above the pre-crisis level, remain problematic. Provided conditions do not deteriorate drastically, we expect mid-single-digit sales growth and a slight decline in operating result,” Friedmann says.

The next Press Conference on the Annual Financial Statements
of the Würth Group will take place on 14 May 2024.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group currently employs more than 87,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,500 pick-up shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 19.9 billion in the 2022 fiscal year. With over 7,700 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

EUR 1.8 million for new CT scanner: Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG supports medical care at the Diak hospital in Schwäbisch Hall

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:28:00 +0200

”A shortage of specialists in the medical field, an ageing society and bottlenecks in pharmaceuticals supply: Our healthcare system is facing a multitude of challenges. Nevertheless, health is a valuable asset. This makes needs-based medical care all the more important. With our donation, we would like to make a contribution to the healthcare of all citizens in the region. I am delighted that this device will enable the Diak hospital to spare many patients additional stressful examinations and long journeys,” says Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group.

The new high-performance CT scanner with integrated spectral technology is currently only available at six locations in Germany (in Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart and Heidelberg), and is therefore a distinctive feature in the Schwäbisch Hall-Hohenlohe region.

The director of the Diak hospital, Christoph Rieß, is convinced that “thanks to the generous donation by Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth, an important project can be implemented that will significantly advance medical care! The entire population in the region will benefit from it, because this new technology offers a wealth of possibilities in preventive care as well as in acute emergencies or life-threatening illnesses. Also on behalf of all patients and employees, we would like to thank Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG.”

The CT scanner, which is expected to be in use at the Diak hospital already in the second half of 2023, was designed for very demanding clinical applications where time and precision are particularly important. This is especially beneficial for patients who need urgent help, for example in the event of a heart attack, a complicated fracture or severe oncological diseases.

The CT scanner significantly reduces radiation loads for both patients and employees, shortens the time of the examination and reduces the number of follow-up examinations. Thanks to spectral imaging, which provides information on metabolism and blood flow, diseases can be detected at an early stage.

The Diakoneo Diak hospital
The Diakoneo Diak hospital in Schwäbisch Hall stands for healthcare with the aim of treating patients individually and holistically. More than 1,600 employees work together in Schwäbisch Hall to provide outstanding healthcare. The Diak hospital is a central care facility for the Hohenlohe region and an academic teaching hospital of the University of Heidelberg with a total of 23 specialist clinics and institutes.

As part of Diakoneo, a future-oriented diaconal social and healthcare company with more than 11,000 employees, the hospital is committed to a peaceful and inclusive future in which humanity and respect characterize society.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production, and sale of fastening and assembly materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group employs more than 85,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,500 pick-up shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 19.9 billion in the 2022 fiscal year. With over 7,600 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

The Würth Group supports UNICEF with 400,000 euros

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:58:34 +0200

Global campaign week makes donation possible

For the sixth time, Würth presented a donation cheque to UNICEF. On the occasion of the RW WORKOUT Week, which is held worldwide and sees office and sales staff working together, EUR 400,000 were raised by the company.

“Children should be able to fully develop their skills. Therefore, they need unrestricted access to education. With the donation for schools in Sri Lanka, we want to make a contribution to enabling children to attend school on a regular basis and to providing school materials and meals for them," Bettina Würth, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of the Würth Group and member of the UNICEF Committee for Germany, said about the company's commitment.

Sri Lanka: Education and psychosocial support

The donation will benefit the UNICEF program “Children at the heart of crisis: education and psychosocial support in Sri Lanka”. In addition to the economic and energy crisis, the country suffers from frequent natural disasters, which threaten the families' ability to afford basic needs, especially those of their children. In addition, the majority of schools remained closed in 2022. The lack of access to school education and the economic crisis also threaten children’s mental health.

Thanks to the donation, children receive learning materials such as pencils, notebooks and worksheets. Moreover, schools, especially in poor areas, are supported in providing regular meals. In close cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the program also focuses on high-quality education through training and qualification measures for teachers. The donation also benefits the children’s mental health and psychosocial support. The measures are designed to help children regain their courage and look ahead in times of crisis.

Chairman of the UNICEF Committee for Germany Georg Graf Waldersee said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Würth Group for their generous support. For the sixth consecutive year, numerous dedicated employees showed exceptional commitment during the campaign week, making a significant contribution to opening up opportunities for children through education. In a crisis-ridden country like Sri Lanka, ensuring that children and young people have reliable access to high-quality education is of tremendous importance in paving the way out of poverty and strengthening their mental well-being. Thanks to Würth’s outstanding initiative, UNICEF is able to expand its local education programs and help the children develop the skills they need for their future life.”

About the RW WORKOUT Week

For more than 30 years, RW WORKOUT Week has been an integral part of the cooperation between the inside staff and the field sales force of Würth Group companies. During this ride-along campaign, inside employees accompany sales representatives on their daily customer visits. This does not only boost their cooperation, but also gives both the sales force and the customers the opportunity to suggest improvements and ideas to inside staff in personal conversations. More than 8,300 ride-alongs were performed worldwide within the framework of the RW WORKOUT Week.

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group employs more than 85,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,500 pick-up shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 19.9 billion in the 2022 fiscal year. With over 7,600 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

The Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin:

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:57:02 +0200

International group of volunteers

The Würth volunteers help at the soccer, futsal and beach volleyball competitions and come into direct contact with the athletes with intellectual and multiple disabilities. For the first time, Würth volunteers from all over Europe will attend the event. In addition to employees from Germany, Group representatives from Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Norway, France, and Spain will participate as volunteers in Berlin.

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, the parent company of the Würth Group, has been a premium partner of Special Olympics Deutschland for 15 years. During this time, more than 1,100 employees of the Würth Group were involved in events as volunteers. This commitment was initiated by Carmen Würth, who was Vice President of Special Olympics Deutschland for six years until November 2011.

About Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023

At the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, which will take place from June 17 to 25, 7,000 athletes from 190 nations will compete in 26 sports. Germany as host country will participate with the largest delegation (415 athletes). The opening ceremony will take place at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on 17 June. The world games of people with intellectual and multiple disabilities are the largest sports event in Germany since the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group employs more than 85,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,500 pick-up shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 19.9 billion in the 2022 fiscal year. With 7,600 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

With double-digit sales growth, the Würth Group is once again on track towards record results: automated logistics processes safeguard continued business growth

Thu, 04 May 2023 11:13:15 +0200

Sales volume increases to EUR 19.9 billion
Operating result goes up to EUR 1.6 billion
High equity ensures stability in challenging times
Automation strategy “Logistics 2030 Vision” safeguards growth targets for the Group

Companies in Germany and abroad with double-digit growth rates
With a sales share of 39.4 percent, Germany remains the most important single market in the Würth Group. The German companies achieved a sales increase of 13.1 percent. Reasons for the positive development are both the stability of the individual business models and the very high product availability. The Electrical Wholesale Unit (+24.8 percent) and Würth Elektronik Group (+22.0 percent) were particularly successful. At 21.4 percent, Division Wood achieved the highest growth among the divisions of the Würth Line, followed by Division Industry at 20.9 percent. Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, the Group’s parent company and largest single company, increased its sales volume by 10.5 percent, including intra-Group sales. The companies outside Germany also reported a successful fiscal year with a sales increase of 19.4 percent. The top performers can be found in the Americas, Southern and Eastern Europe.

E-business: customers continue to rely on digital procurement of goods
Apart from the more than 43,000 sales employees and more than 2,500 pick-up shops worldwide, e-business is one of the strategic growth areas of the Würth Group. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the procurement of goods via digital channels became an integral part of our customers’ order routine. This trend is reflected in sales: e-business accounted for sales of EUR 4.1 billion across the Group. The sales share amounted to a new maximum of 20.7 percent.

Strong growth requires strong logistics processes
The continuous growth of the Würth Group requires that the process structures grow as well. The Group’s strategy is therefore to exploit the full potential of digitalization and automation in order to also meet social challenges such as demographic change and the shortage of skilled workers. “On the one hand, our logistics robots improve productivity. On the other hand, they relieve our employees of physically demanding tasks. Automated processes enable us to supply our customers quickly and reliably. They appreciate the quality of our products and rightly expect the same from the availability of the ordered goods,” Friedmann said.

Important building blocks for the constant security of supply and thus relief for our customers even in challenging times were, on the one hand, the rental of additional pallet spaces. Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG alone accounted for more than 60,000 pallet spaces. On the other hand, Würth relied on the development of personnel and increased its inventory value by more than 70 percent over the last two years at a time when many other companies cut back. Friedmann emphasized that “the family business plays a crucial part here: It provides not only the necessary freedom for taking action and making decisions, but also the stability for such decisions.”

Würth creates global knowledge and implementation network in logistics
Würth Group experts from different countries form a so-called “Inno.Log panel” (innovations in logistics) and regularly exchange information about new technologies and standardized automation solutions in the field of logistics. The aim is to make these available to all Würth companies. “The advantage is that not every single one of our more than 400 companies has to find solutions to logistics issues. The panel evaluates preferred technologies and shares them with all Würth companies. This saves both time and costs and creates valuable synergy effects,” Friedmann explained.

“Logistics 2030 Vision” specifies automation strategy
For the strategic development of logistics, the Würth Group has set itself the goal of achieving an automation level of 75 percent by 2030 in the companies with the highest sales volumes. Friedmann emphasized: “This is not about replacing people. On the contrary, we continue to rely on our almost 12,000 logistics employees and are adding staff. We are striving for the perfect interplay of employees, robots, workplace health management and corporate growth in order to safeguard the future of the Würth Group.”

More than 2,000 new employees
The Würth Group hired 2,454 new employees in the 2022 fiscal year. The Group employs 85,637 people, 43,297 of whom work in the sales force. In Germany, the company has 26,113 employees.

High equity provides stability and confidence
In the past fiscal year, the Würth Group’s equity increased by 16.0 percent to EUR 7.9 billion. With this plus of EUR 1.1 billion, the equity ratio increased to 46.0 percent (2021: 45.2 percent). This good equity base has been the basis for consistently high financial stability for years, which creates confidence, especially in difficult times. The rating agency S&P Global confirmed the Würth Group’s “A/outlook stable” rating in 2022.

First sustainability report published by the Würth Group
In addition to the annual report, the Würth Group is publishing a sustainability report for the first time this year. Titled “Go”, the company presents its ecological and social key figures in a transparent manner in said report. The report is available online at www.wuerth.com.

Subdued optimism for 2023
The war in Ukraine, disrupted supply chains and high inflation continue to have a negative impact on the German economy. According to the ifo Institute, business sentiment has improved, but the economy still lacks momentum.

The Handelsblatt Research Institute (HRI) expects the effects of the European Central Bank's interest rate turnaround to start showing in the summer. Many industries would be affected, including the construction sector, which is important for the Würth Group. After 2022, HRI expects capital expenditures to continue to decline by about five percent this year.

In the first three months of 2023, the Würth Group generated sales growth of 9.3 percent, adjusted for currencies, growth would come out at 9.5 percent. Whereas growth in the previous year was still broad-based both in regional terms and across business units, the current year is showing different developments: The Würth Group in Germany grew by 12.8 percent in the first three months. Southern and Eastern Europe, too, reported double-digit sales growth. In these three regions, the strong growth rates reflect the performance of Electrical Wholesale which, in turn, benefits from the boom in renewable energies. After three months, this business unit reported sales growth of around 23 percent.

Since the end of December 2022, the number of employees has increased by 951 colleagues. The operating result is 2.3 percent above the previous year.

About the Würth Group
The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production and sale of assembly and fastening materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group employs more than 85,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,500 pick-up shops across 80 countries. The Group achieved sales of EUR 19.9 billion in the 2022 fiscal year. With 7,600 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Würth Group donates half a million euros to earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 14:33:26 +0100

EUR 500,000 will be given to UNICEF, which is particularly committed to the welfare of children and young people and has an international network. It is one of a few relief agencies that are on site in Northern Syria and is preparing relief operations in the country. The Würth Group also supports its employees and their families in the affected regions with numerous emergency measures.

The Würth Group has eight companies and more than 900 employees in Turkey.

About the Würth Group

The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production, and sale of fastening and assembly materials. Other trading and production companies, known as the Allied Companies, operate in related business areas, ranging from electrical wholesale and electronics to financial services. The Group employs more than 85,000 employees in over 400 companies with more than 2,500 pick-up shops across 80 countries. According to preliminary annual financial statements, the Group generated sales of EUR 19.95 billion in the 2022 fiscal year. With 7,600 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau is the largest single company in the Würth Group.