Westfalia points the way ahead for the future

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Westfalia points the way ahead for the future: A new generation takes over with new management and shareholder structure

After 39 years one of the great ones leaves the logistics stage: Ulrich Upmeyer, founder and longstanding managing director of the Westfalia Group of companies, retires. Matthias Upmeyer leads the owner-managed company into the second generation.

Since its establishment in 1971 Ulrich Upmeyer has successfully directed the business of Westfalia. With vision and a sense for innovations he grew the medium-sized company, with its headquarters in Borgholzhausen, into one of the leading suppliers of automated logistics solutions. The breakthrough was achieved at the beginning of the 80s. The development of the Satellite® storage system has formed the company’s history and was taken note of on a global scale within the industry. Since then this system has been used worldwide in the most diverse sectors. Founder Ulrich Upmeyer retires at the age of 66 and hands the management of Westfalia to his son Matthias Upmeyer and Andreas Gartemann.

In order to set the company on solid and sustainable ground in this succession, Ulrich Upmeyer sold his share to a regional entrepreneur. Since the beginning of the year, Siegbert Wortmann, founder and CEO of Wortmann AG in Hüllhorst, has been the new majority shareholder of the Westfalia Group of companies. This strengthens the headquarters in Borgholzhausen in the long term. „I am delighted that we could win Mr. Wortmann as an indigenous, successful entrepreneur from this region to Westfalia“, says company founder Ulrich Upmeyer. Wortmann AG is Germany’s most successful producer of PCs (store brand Terra) and servers, with an notable increase of 12% in sales predicted in 2009 despite the economical crisis. Siegbert Wortmann was awarded „Entrepreneur of the year East Westphalia“ in 2001 and received the Federal Cross of Merit in 2007.

The other shares are held by Matthias Upmeyer and Andreas Gartemann who have jointly assumed management responsibilities of the Westfalia Group. After his business studies, with majors in business administration and logistics at University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück, and domestic and international jobs, Matthias Upmeyer (38) joined the company in 2001. Initially he was responsible for export sales and managed the business unit for automated small part storage systems. Afterwards he took over the sales responsibility for the core business of the Westfalia Group of companies. Andreas Gartemann (37) studied business administration with majors in marketing, production and IT at University of Osnabrück. In 1999 he started his career within the company where he quickly took over the responsibility for marketing and communications. His longstanding counsel regarding the company’s development commended him for the position of the General Manager.

In the realignment of the management structure, Mr. Wortmann also takes over the chairmanship of the newly found advisory board. Further members of the advisory board represent the legal and business professions.
br /> The Westfalia Group of companies is optimistic regarding 2010. „ In 2010, as well as in 2009 we see a positive development concerning the order situation in comparison to the overall economy “, says Matthias Upmeyer. Andreas Gartemann adds: „We are happy about the order volume we have already received. It allows Westfalia to operate at full capacity not only on a short term, but also in the medium term.“

www.westfaliaeurope.com

Upcoming Exhibitions

October 2010 - Saudi Transtec

Supported by the Ministry of Transport, Saudi TransTec will showcase Industries such as Freight, Shipping, Aviation, Ports, Cargo, Express, Railways, Material Handling Equipment & System Providers as well as Supply Chain and Logistics, providing the Eastern Province with an essential networking and business forum for the Transport and Logistics sector!

November 2010 - Eindhoven, 10th - 11th

It is with justified pride that Bureau Bosman BV is introducing Groothandel & Logistiek’s new trade show name. From now on, Groothandel & Logistiek will be called: Bedrijf en Logistiek, the trade show for goods-in, storage and goods-out. The eleventh edition will take place on November 10 and 11 in the Exhibition Building in Eindhoven.

November 2010 - Birmingham, 16th - 19th

Quartz Publishing & Exhibitions Ltd, organiser of the International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX), has announced that – in response to exhibitor requests – the show’s dates have moved from March to November next year.

November 2010 - Intermodal Europe 2010, Amsterdam, 30th November - 2nd December

The Intermodal Europe event returns to Amsterdam with a revitalised new programme that will ensure a balanced focus on all areas of intermodalism from containers through to road, rail and maritime logistics.

September 2011 - Material Handling Middle East, 25th to 27th

Delivering results since 2001, Materials Handling Middle East will be held next year from September 25 to 27 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, UAE.

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