The Joachim Herz Foundation in Hamburg is investing in Weidmüller – a key step for long-term corporate development and accelerated growth. In an interview, Christian Gläsel, Chair of the Supervisory Board and Spokesman for the Weidmüller owner family, as well as Ulrich Müller, CEO of the Joachim Herz Foundation and new Supervisory Board member at Weidmüller, report on the new partnership, plans for the future, and long-term targets for our company.
Mr Gläsel, what were the motivating factors that prompted Weidmüller to work with an investor?
Christian Gläsel: “Our employees have achieved great things in recent years alongside Weidmüller's owners: consistently expanding our business into key international markets, building the new electronics production site at our headquarters, a new logistics centre, a broad and exciting automation portfolio, and real milestones like the innovation of SNAP IN.
Although development is never finished, we had the feeling we had reached a milestone. In short, we are absolutely competitive and now need to convert our high investments into high-margin growth. By adding a new shareholder, we are able to do so from a position of strength. It was important to the owner family that we do not find an investor focused on the short-term, but rather a shareholder with a similar understanding of the industry and family-owned companies, as well as similar values. With the Joachim Herz Foundation, we achieved this goal”.
Mr Müller, how does the Joachim Herz Foundation choose its holdings?
Ulrich Müller: “We select our holdings in a targeted way, according to strict criteria. For example, it was particularly important to us that the company has a strong international alignment. We don’t just look at Germany, but rather at the “global footprint”. The overall corporate culture and strategic alignment are also decisive for us”.
And you feel that Weidmüller meets these criteria?
Ulrich Müller: “Yes, absolutely. Weidmüller is a very well-positioned company globally, that sets new standards with products and technologies that generate demand around the world. With electrification, digitalisation, automation and renewable energies, Weidmüller is clearly focusing on markets with a high potential for future growth. Weidmüller has a business model that will still be viable in 50 years”.
In other words, Weidmüller and the Joachim Herz Foundation are a perfect match?
Christian Gläsel: “You could definitely say so. The goals of the Joachim Herz Foundation and Weidmüller's strategic approach complement one another very well. The foundation is also known for its strong commitment in the areas of sustainability, training and education, and science – topics that are especially important to Weidmüller. All those shared values make the foundation an ideal partner. The chemistry was great right from the start – a trustworthy partnership from the first moment”.
We will develop Weidmüller into an even faster, stronger, more innovative, and sustainably growing company.
Will Weidmüller remain a family-owned company?
Christian Gläsel: “The Joachim Herz Foundation has purchased a stake in the company as part of a capital increase, so it holds about 20 % of company shares. This holding strengthens our position for a successful future. Weidmüller is and remains a family-owned company”.
What exactly does the partnership look like, and what possibilities does it open up?
Ulrich Müller: “Weidmüller knows all about products, technologies and markets – another reason for our investment. We understand ourselves as a strategic and financial sparring partner. Together, we will increase the tempo of innovation and growth at Weidmüller. We believe the partnership will result in great opportunities in the future. For the Joachim Herz Foundation, this is a long-term investment with no expiration date”.
What expectations are associated with the investment?
Christian Gläsel: “As I said, we have already achieved a lot. Now, we need to lay the right groundwork for the future. Our goal is clear: to strengthen and expand Weidmüller's status as a global technological leader, as well as to be successful and profitable in our target markets”.
Ulrich Müller: “Of course, we expect to be successful. Profitable growth and consistent utilisation of market opportunities. Our investment gives these goals an added boost”.
Weidmüller has a business model that will still be viable in 50 years.
How do Weidmüller's educational initiatives complement those of the foundation?
Christian Gläsel: “We invest in the future, whether in new technologies, production, logistics, and above all in people. Building knowledge and life-long learning are the foundation for healthy growth. Despite all the infrastructure measures, the lack of trained professionals drives us and will be an important issue in coming years”.
Ulrich Müller: “Definitely. The lack of trained professionals and demographic shifts are major challenges for us. Germany's dual educational system is unique in the world, and we value it highly. Our partnership can certainly result in synergies in training and education”.
Mr Gläsel, Mr Müller, do you have a final message?
Christian Gläsel: “We live in uncertain times. The years to come will be full of challenges, but also opportunities. I am convinced that we can achieve great things together. We will develop Weidmüller into an even faster, stronger, more innovative, and sustainably growing company. Our partnership with the Joachim Herz Foundation is an important step on this path, and I am looking forward to our future together”.
Ulrich Müller: “I am convinced of this as well. I want to encourage everyone to continue on this path and have a positive outlook for the future. We are behind Weidmüller one hundred percent, and believe in their success”.
The Joachim Herz Foundation was founded in Hamburg in 2008 and is one of Germany's largest foundations. It promotes education, science, and research. The foundation supports projects designed to secure the future of our society. The foundation works in particular in the areas of economics, the natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and educational support.