Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH has undergone rapid development in recent decades. Having started out as a manufacturer of shopping trolleys, the Leipheim-based family business has now become a modern and diversified global player and we are meeting the demands of this development. Three groundbreaking changes will create the basis for continued success in the future.
Change of name: From Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik to Wanzl
Sometimes less is more! After all, the company produces far more than just metal goods and stands for innovation in many areas. It has a broad portfolio, from comprehensive shopfitting concepts and customer guidance to plastic shopping baskets and shopping trolleys. In addition, our focus is increasingly on digital and electronic products. These include vending machines and access solutions, such as the Galaxy Gate and the digital platform solution, Wanzl Connect. The focus on the family name shows the identity and values of the family business.
Change in entity: From GmbH to GmbH & Co. KGaA
The type of entity is more important than the name. "Today's economy often requires a progressive and rapid response to constantly changing circumstances. This is why we have converted to a significantly more flexible GmbH & Co. KGaA ,” explains Dr Klaus Meier-Kortwig, CEO of Wanzl. Gottfried Wanzl, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the parent company Wanzl GmbH & Co. Holding KG, sees this as a groundbreaking step: “Henkel, Merck, Hornbach and Bertelsmann – family companies with a long heritage have shown how a company can form the right legal entity to best position itself to face today’s challenges. They have all taken off the tight corset of a pure GmbH, or limited liability company. Their successful business performance and the continuation of these family businesses confirm this.“
Reorganisation: New composition of the Supervisory Board
“Into the future” also means that Wanzl family members will continue to be involved in the management of the group of companies: the younger Wanzl generation will be members of the newly formed Supervisory Board of Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA. This emphasises the family’s ties to the company. “My grandfather Rudolf Wanzl Sr and my father Rudolf Wanzl Jr founded the company more than 70 years ago. It fills me with great joy when I see what we as a family have built up in this time. I am therefore all the more delighted that other family members are now continuing the history of the company and representing our values.
