Wieland Group: A Global Leader in Copper and Copper Alloy Production
The Wieland Group is a premier manufacturer specializing in semi-finished products made from copper and copper alloys. With a legacy spanning over two centuries, the company has evolved from a local foundry into a global industrial powerhouse. Headquartered in Ulm, Germany, the group operates under the ultimate parent company, Wieland-Werke AG, and is organized into four distinct business units to streamline its production and distribution.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1820 in Ulm, Germany.
- Core Business: Production of semi-finished copper and copper alloy products.
- Global Reach: Production sites across Asia, Europe, and the USA, with operations in 40 countries.
- Financials: Reported revenue of €6.6 billion for the 2024/25 period.
- Workforce: Employs 10,279 people as of 2024/25.
- Leadership: Led by CEO Erwin Mayr and Chairman of the Supervisory Board Fritz-Jürgen Heckmann.
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
The company's origins date back to 1820, when Philipp Jakob Wieland took over a fine art and bell foundry in Ulm’s Rosengasse. By 1828, the business had expanded into the production of brass wire and sheet. The turn of the century brought further diversification, with the introduction of sections, tubes, and rods around 1900.
A significant milestone occurred in 1865 with the establishment of the Vöhringen plant, which utilized hydropower from the River Iller to drive production. In 1919, the company transitioned from an OHG (Offene Handelsgesellschaft, or open trading company) to an Aktiengesellschaft (a joint-stock company), becoming Wieland-Werke AG.
Despite facing severe setbacks during World War II—including the bombing of the Ulm plant in 1945 and the dismantling of facilities at Vöhringen—the company underwent a period of rapid reconstruction. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Wieland expanded its production capacity and built the worldwide sales and production network that exists today, now comprising approximately 60 companies, including trading firms and slitting centers.
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Corporate Social Responsibility and Welfare
Long before modern corporate social responsibility standards, the Wieland Group invested in its workforce. In 1934, Philipp Jakob Wieland established a factory health insurance system, known today as Wieland BKK. The company also provided essential housing for workers in Vöhringen and built "hygienic facilities," which included showers and tubs for employees.
To address high infant mortality rates around 1900, the company established a day nursery in Ulm. This facility operated under the protectorate of Queen Charlotte, with Max Wieland's wife serving as a board member, demonstrating an early commitment to family welfare.
Strategic Expansion and Economic Performance
A transformative moment in the company's recent history occurred in July 2019, when the Wieland Group merged with Global Brass and Copper Holdings, Inc. This North American manufacturer and distributor of specialized non-ferrous products significantly expanded the group's footprint to over 90 locations and increased its workforce to 9,000 employees at the time of the merger.
The group's financial trajectory shows steady growth over the last decade, with revenue increasing from €2.547 billion in 2015/16 to €6.619 billion in 2024/25. The Schwenk Group of Ulm remains the majority shareholder.
| Fiscal Year | Revenue (Million €) | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/16 | 2,547 | 6,658 |
| 2017/18 | 3,376 | 6,680 |
| 2019/20 | 3,900 | approx. 8,000 |
| 2021/22 | 6,700 | approx. 9,400 |
| 2023/24 | 5,980 | 10,279 |
| 2024/25 | 6,619 | 10,279 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Wieland Group produce?
The Wieland Group manufactures semi-finished products made from copper and copper alloys, including brass sheets, wires, rods, tubes, and sections.
Where is the company headquartered?
The company has been headquartered in Ulm, Germany, since its foundation in 1820.
How did the merger with Global Brass and Copper Holdings affect the company?
The July 2019 merger expanded the company's presence in North America, increasing its total locations to over 90 and boosting its workforce and revenue.
Who are the current key leaders of the Wieland Group?
The group is led by CEO Erwin Mayr and Fritz-Jürgen Heckmann, who serves as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
What is the current financial status of the company?
For the 2024/25 period, the Wieland Group reported a revenue of €6.6 billion and employs 10,279 people.