WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG

1946

On January 2, Alexander Wiegand founds the WIKA GmbH together with his former employee Philipp Kachel. The production premises are located in Klingenberg, the office in Frankfurt-Griesheim. The initials of the two company founders' names form the company name WIKA which will become a well-known brand in the course of time. Initially, they carry out subcontract orders and repair work for agricultural devices and at the end of the year 1946, they start with the production of manometers.

1956

The stage is set for a successful future:
The production program is supplemented by high-quality industrial manometers, the sales organisation is extended and a development department is build-up.

1960

In spring, the construction of a new plant where all the scattered subsidiaries could be united begins. Thanks to this measure, the continuously growing production can proceed in its properly course. At the beginning of the year 1961, WIKA moves into the new plant.

1965

New plants and buildings are required. A new building for offices, social rooms and despatch department is completed. On September 1, a new plant in Trennfurt is inaugurated.

1967

The death of Dr. Konrad Wiegand is a severe loss for the company. Ursula Wiegand takes over the management of WIKA. In the year 1968, the Dr.Konrad Wiegand foundation is created.

1970

WIKA becomes the number 1 of the manometer manufacturers in Europe. At that time, the company has approx. 880 employees, produces 22,500 manometer a day and reaches an annual turnover of 50 million DM. Compared to 1960, the export turnover has multiplied tenfold and reaches approximately a third of the total turnover.

1971

WIKA celebrated its 25 anniversary. On this occasion, Ursula Wiegand gives a votive medal to each employee. One side of the medal shows a portrait of Dr. Konrad Wiegand, the other side shows the company WIKA.

1979

The turnover exceeds the "dream limit" of 100 million DM. WIKA has become the third largest manufacturer of pressure gauges and additionally to the parent company in Klingelnberg, WIKA meanwhile produces also in Switzerland, South Africa, USA and Spain. In 1979 the first electronic pressure gauges are brought on the market. In 1980 WIKA produces its 100 millionth pressure gauge.

1984

Ursula Wiegand receives the Staatsmedaille für besondere Verdienste (state medal for exceptional achievements) for the Bavarian economy. The medal is awarded by the Minister of State Dr. Anton Jaumann at a celebration in the ballroom of the Bavarian State Ministry for Economy and Transport.

1985

Ursula Wiegand wins the Business Award "Manager of the Year 1984".

1986

At the beginning of the year, WIKA takes over the thermometer manufacturer Kachel. By doing this, Ursula Wiegand unites again the two components of the name WIKA. On February 18, WIKA celebrates its 40th anniversary. Business partners and guests from politics and business as well as personal friends are present. The most prominent guest in this circle is the former Federal President Dr. Walter Scheel.

1988

On May 13, the new WIKA headquater in Klingelnberg is inaugurated. The the opening ceremony is honoured by the presence of the famous violinist Gidon Kremer.

1994

In June the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Zertifizierung von Qualitätsmanagementsystemen mbh (German Association for the Certification of Quality Management Systems) (DQS) certifies WIKA to DIN ISO 9001.

1996

WIKA celebrates its 50th anniversary and is the number 1 worldwide in the pressure and temperature measuring technology. The year is clouded by the death of Ursula Wiegand. Dipl.-Ing Alexander Wiegand continues the business and takes over the management in the same year.

1999

After a construction time of one year, the sensor centre is put into operation. The building has a production surface of 13,000 sqm. on four floors. The sensor centre provides the new capacities which are required for the continuous growth especially in the electronic pressure and temperature measurement.

2001

A strong brand changes its aspect: WIKA chooses a new logo. It indicates the opening of the globally acting company toward the outside and, at the same time, represents the power and competence inside the company.

2004

Together with our employees, WIKA starts the training initiative 10+. We increase the number of apprentices in our company by a third to combat the increasing lack of training positions actively. This is a declaration of our social responsibility and a commitment to safe jobs in the Untermain region.

2004
Grand opening of the Mexican subsidiary: Our first subsidiary was founded in 1960, today the WIKA group consists of more than 30 subsidiaries worldwide .

2006
Sixty years after the foundation of the company more than 5,000 employees work at WIKA.

2007

WIKA was conferred the Innovation and Creativity Award "InKA" of the Fraunhofer TEG. The award is annually given to businesses for outstanding achievements within innovation management .

2008

A further milestone is reached: For the first time WIKA achieves a turnover of more than 500 million euros.

By establishing the "WIKALino" day nursery WIKA once more demonstrates its social commitment and underlines its family-oriented personnel policy.

 
The staff's health is also taken care of: In cooperation with the Kieser Training AG a fitness centre focusing on health-oriented strength training is opened on the Klingenberg factory premises in January.