Loading ePaper
P U O R G R E L L Ü M D I E W E H T F O E N I Z A G A M E E Y O L P M E D N A R E M O T S U C E H T I S S U E N O . 0 1 / 2 0 2 6 COVER STORY A TAILWIND MADE FROM SUNLIGHT VERTICAL PHOTOVOLTAICS SYSTEM FOR FRANKFURT AIRPORT – WITH WEIDMÜLLER TECHNOLOGY AT ITS HEART P. 10
4 E G A P WELCOME TO THE WEIDMÜLLER INDUSTRYMATCH SNAP IN FEAT. SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC E G A P 8 E G A P 10 A TAILWIND MADE OF SUNLIGHT S T N E T N O C E G A ENERGY FOR THE FUTURE12P BRIGHT HORIZONS IN RICHMOND E G A P 16 WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND FACTS & FIGURES E G A P 222222 I T N R P M I WEIDMÜLLER INTERFACE GMBH & CO. KG Klingenbergstraße 26 32758 Detmold +49 5231 14-0 weidmueller@weidmueller.de www.weidmueller.de LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (KG) Registered office: Detmold Registration Court of Lemgo HRA 2790 2 CONTENTS / IMPRINT E G A P A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS 14 18 20 E G A P E G A P THE HEART OF ELECTRONICS GLOBAL MARKETING & CORPORATE COMMUNICATION Responsible for this publication: Marc Landermann Editor: Dr. Christopher Berndt Contact: presse@weidmueller.com DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION Mint.T® Studio www.mint-t.de COVER IMAGE Copyright Fraport AG ISSUE NO 01 / 2026
E C A F E R P Dear readers, Dear Team Weidmüller, “Pioneering since day one” was the motto we chose for our 175th company anniversary last year. Our anniversary year has drawn to a close, it’s true – but the message remains the same: our pioneering spirit was born on day one – and will continue into the future. It defines our image as we start the new year. We are breaking new ground, for instance, with the Weidmüller IndustryMatch platform – meet- ing our customers digitally right where they are, directly in their industries. Our new electronics plant has also officially opened – the home for Weidmüller's future innovations. Our group com- panies all around the world stand ready for new pioneering solutions – you can read about some of them in our group company portrait of Weidmüller USA in this magazine. This magazine also touches on some issues close to our heart – in particular projects through which we are shaping the future of electrification, automation, and digitalisation. Of course, we will also be taking a look back at our anniversary year – for instance at Orange Week and how we celebrated it with you. We hope you all enjoy reading this issue. The Weidmüller Executive Board DR. SEBASTIAN DURST CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DR. TIMO BERGER CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER DR. CHRISTIAN VON TOLL CHIEF SALES OFFICER ANDRÉ SOMBECKI CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PREFACE 3
WEIDMÜLLER INDUSTRY MATCH! O T E M O C L E W CLOSE TO THE CUSTOMER – CLOSE TO INDUSTRY For over 175 years, we have served as a reliable part- ner and solution provider to our customers. Now, with Weidmüller IndustryMatch, we are taking another big digital step forward, offering an interactive platform focused on our customers’ needs – merged with indus- try and application expertise in one virtual hub. The goal is to help our customers find the right solution faster, easier, and with better precision. 4 WEIDMÜLLER INDUSTRYMATCH
W eidmüller IndustryMatch is an interactive 3D landscape where users can discover different industrial sectors – from machine construction to energy and hydrogen technology. Each area highlights Weidmüller's solutions based on real challenges, turning a simple product search into an intuitive experience. THE DIGITAL 3D LANDSCAPE OF WEIDMÜLLER INDUSTRYMATCH MEETS CUSTOMERS WHERE THEY ARE – IN THEIR INDUSTRY WEIDMÜLLER INDUSTRYMATCH 5
EACH CLICK TAKES THE USER DEEPER INTO AN INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRY, HELPING THEM FIND WHAT THEY NEED IN AN INTUITIVE AND PRACTICAL WAY. In our Global Customer Survey, we asked our clients how satis- fied they are with us. The survey determined our Net Promoter Score (NPS) – a measure of customer satisfaction and loyalty. With 2128 responses submitted worldwide, we scored an NPS of 50 – a very good result! . . . I F O G N K A E P S D N A S R E M O T S U C R U O FOCUSING ON OUR CUSTOMERS Weidmüller IndustryMatch puts the customers’ needs in focus. Instead of flipping through catalogues or sit- ting through long consultations, users can get relevant information with clear added value immediately – from their perspective. We integrate current trends and challenges, showing how solutions generate true benefit for real applications. To do so, we combine digital tools and features with our customer-oriented approach. The result is a platform that is easy to access and generates real added value. 6 WEIDMÜLLER INDUSTRYMATCH
A PLATFORM FOR THE FUTURE With Weidmüller IndustryMatch, we are opening up a new chapter in our customer focus. We are present- ing our solutions not from our perspective, but rather from the perspective of the people we want to help. The platform is both an invitation and a promise: Weidmüller is in tune. With our customers. With industry. With the solutions of the future. ACCESS THE WEIDMÜLLER INDUSTRYMATCH CLICK HERE WIND ENERGY PHOTOVOLTAICS MACHINERY BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVICE MANUFACTURER ENERGY STORAGE HYDROGEN DATA CENTER RAILMAY SHIPBUILDING WATER TREATMENT AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT OIL AND GAS TRADITIONAL POWER POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION WEIDMÜLLER INDUSTRYMATCH 7
THE WEIDMÜLLER-PORTFOLIO, INCLUDING SNAP IN CONNECTION TECHNOLOGY, CONTINUES TO GROW SNAP IN FEAT. SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INVENTED BY WEIDMÜLLER – PRACTICAL INNOVATION When a pioneering solution meets a feel for innovation, new possibilities are created for the entire market. With the integration of our SNAP IN connec- tion technology into the new TeSys series from Schneider Electric, the two companies have entered into a strong partnership. W ith SNAP IN, we invented a connection technology which is already setting new standards in the field of connectivity and is optimised for panel building of the future. Conductors establish a secure connection immediately after insertion. A green pusher indi- cates the switching status and provides visual, haptic and acoustic feedback. The contact point can then be reused as needed – it is ready for wiring again with just a click. There is no need to prepare conduc- tors with wire-end ferrules. SNAP IN makes wiring processes simple, quick, safe and ready-to-robot: this means wiring can be carried out automatically as well using robots, an important step in the future of panel building. 8 SNAP IN FEAT. SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
1 SNAP IN CONNECTS For Schneider Electric, choosing SNAP IN was a commitment to the future. Sub-assemblies were developed, automated production lines were established, and new variants were readied for the market rapidly. With the help of SNAP IN, Schneider Electric expects to see up to 96% time savings when making connections – a true efficiency boost for the industry. The TeSys series from Schneider Electric includes solutions for motor control and motor man- agement. It is used in many different industrial applications, and offers a compact design, high reliability and simple integration into automation systems. SNAP IN is also being used in more of our own product lines – in Klippon® Connect terminal blocks, OMNIMATE® 4.0 PCB connectors, Rock- Star® heavy-duty connectors, Push Pull Power connectors and PROeco II power supplies. A con- nection technology that binds us together – both today and for the future. 2 1 TESYS DECA MOTOR PROTECTION AND POWER CONTACTORS FROM SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC 2 ON THE ROAD: SNAP IN FEAT. SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SNAP IN FEAT. SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC 9
VERTICAL PHOTOVOLTAICS SYSTEM FOR FRANKFURT AIRPORT – WITH WEIDMÜLLER TECHNOLOGY AT ITS HEART OUR DC AND AC-PV GENERATOR JUNCTION BOXES – CUSTOMISED VERSIONS WERE USED FOR THE FRANKFURT AIRPORT PROJECT. T H G I L N U S M O R F E D A M I A soaring start at one of Europe's largest airports: a 2.8-kilometer-long photovoltaics system with 37,000 vertical modules has been installed along the western runway at Frankfurt Airport. The technology comes from the company Next2Sun, and can deliver up to 17.4 million kilowatt hours of power each year – enough for around 5,000 households. It is one of Germany's most innovative solar projects – with customised solutions from Weidmüller. D N W L I A T usage conflicts – a key advantage at Frankfurt Airport. A T he unique thing about the system is that its mod- ules are mounted vertically in an East-West align- ment. This means solar energy is generated primarily in the mornings and evenings – when current demand is highest. This installation saves space and avoids 10 A TAILWIND MADE OF SUNLIGHT
SAFETY AND FLEXIBILITY WITH WEIDMÜLLER A project of this magnitude requires strong part- ners – and reliable technology. Our technology is integrated in the system, including 42 AC collec- tors and 134 DC generator junction boxes. These are fully customised solutions: lockable control cabinets, customer-specific marking and docu- mentation, and specially adapted surge protection to comply with local conditions and regulations. Integrated fire department switches are also included for emergency switch off – a safety measure that is essential in a highly sensitive environment like an airport. With these compo- nents, we are not only helping to safely distribute power, but also to comply with the highest safety standards. Ready for take-off! TECHNOLOGY MEETS RESPONS‑ IBILITY The energy that is generated is delivered direct- ly to the terminal’s heating and air conditioning system, as well as the airport operator’s fleet of electric vehicles. With the system, the Fraport Group is taking a huge step towards meeting its goal of reaching net zero status, meaning it will be fully greenhouse gas neutral and CO2 free, by 2045 at the latest. Ecological aspects have also been taken into consideration: construction phases were planned in close coordination with nature conservation agencies, and worked around breed- ing seasons to protect the valuable biodiversity in green spaces around the airport. OUR TECHNOLOGIES ARE INTEGRATED IN THE NEW PV SYSTEM AT FRANKFURT AIRPORT (COPYRIGHT FRAPORT AG) A TAILWIND MADE OF SUNLIGHT 11
POWER FOR THE FUTURE THE WEIDMÜLLER DC INNOVATION HUB INSTALLING INFRASTRUCTURE (T-CONNECTIONS) IN THE FIELD With the DC Innovation Hub at the Weidmüller Academy – our central training site in Detmold – we have created a practical place to develop and test DC technology. The project is continuously updated, combining training, maintenance, research, and product development – and shows how young employees can help actively shape a key topic for the future. 12 POWER FOR THE FUTURE
LEARNING UN‑ DER REAL‑LIFE CONDITIONS During the first training stage, a DC network with nine sectors supplies machines in the train- ing workshop. Photovoltaics systems have been added as well. Battery storage systems have also recently been put into operation. The goal is to increase energy efficiency, reduce our need to buy power and improve network stability in order to ensure availability. All of this is done under real conditions, a direct way to demonstrate industrial applications. The Hub is not only a place for technological de- velopment and technical training, it also provides important insights for product development. Com- ponents and systems are tested and developed during ongoing operations. Knowledge gained is included directly in our “DC ready” portfolio, and contributing to our innovation in this area. THE WEIDMÜLLER ACADEMY IN DETMOLD – AND SITE OF THE DC INNOVATION HUB ADDED VALUE FOR TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT, AND CUSTOMERS The close integration of training, electronics maintenance and technological development generates true added value for everyone involved: talented young people gain practical experience with pioneering technology, the development areas get reliable field data, and our customers benefit from solutions developed and tested under real conditions. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. The DC Innovation Hub is an important step towards a sustainable and smart power supply – and an example of how Weidmüller actively approaches and implements key future topics. I F O G N K A E P S D N A E H T D N A G N N A R T I I F O Y G O L O N H C E T . . E R U T U F E H T . In November of 2025, Weidmüller launched a new chapter in interna- tional training cooperation by opening the campus of the Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (BiUH) in China. As the first foreign-owned strategic partner, Weidmüller supports the university with practical training in forward-thinking technologies – and offers students access to global perspectives and networks. POWER FOR THE FUTURE 13
A BRIEF REVIEW OF OUR 175TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR A year for the history books – literally! Last year, the 175th in our company’s history, we not only celebrated our past but also experienced unforgettable moments together that will shape our future – while connecting people all over the world. Here is a brief look back at our anniversary celebrations. HOSTING THE WORLD AT WEIDMÜLLER Weidmüller and its customers – a perfect match. We held Orange Weeks throughout 2025, both in Detmold and at our sites in the USA and China. They were a great way to celebrate our big anni- versary alongside our customers. S N O I T A R B E L E C F O R A E Y A 14 A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS
A GREAT ANNIVERSARY, A GREAT EXPERIENCE Big anniversaries are a great time to show off – after all, you only turn 175 once. That’s why we took the chance to launch a fresh collection of Weidmüller merchandise under our anniversary motto: “Pioneering since day one”. We were also visible on the streets in Detmold, where our headquarters is located. A city bus brought people from point A to point B, all while showing off our pioneering spirit to passengers. LIVING HISTORY Over the last 175 years, we have transformed from a textile company to a key player in electrification, automation and digitalisation: the Weidmüller story is a story about people – driven by a pioneering spirit and the next big innovation. During our anniversary year, we brought this story to life, for example through a special issue of our Orange Mag. Or in a brief history video, in which our company founder appears (thanks to AI), to give us a personal tour of our history. Our apprentices learned this history as well, creating a special history exhibit at Weidmüller Welt in Detmold's city centre. FOUR OF OUR GROUP COMPANIES ALSO CELEBRATED ANNIVERSARIES LAST YEAR. 30 YEARS KOREA 50 YEARS USA 50 YEARS CANADA 50 YEARS BRAZIL TO THE ORANGE MAG ANNIVERSARY EDITION CLICK HERE READ THE DIGITAL VERSION NOW! TO THE VIDEO OF OUR COMPANY FOUNDER CLICK HERE A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS 15
END BRACKET MADE FROM 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND Making individual processes more sustainable: it is an im- portant project, but not as important as turning those pro- cesses into reality, step by step. With our end bracket made of 100 percent recycled plastic, we have achieved a milestone in circular production. WE RE-PROCESS WASTE PLASTIC INTO REGRANULATE MATERIAL 16 WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND
CLOSED CYCLES, MORE SUSTAIN‑ ABLE PRODUCTS In addition, we reuse production waste as part of our circu- lar production process. This closes cycles in production by reusing materials. One example: we process plastic waste through collection, preparation, and regranulation, so that it can be used again as a raw material. We have used up to 20 percent of regranulate in our products in the past – a figure we have now increased to 100 percent. In addition, we re- use 100 percent of our metal stamping scrap. With our Klippon® Connect end brackets, for example, we have developed a product using 100 percent recycled plas- tic – saving 80 percent of CO2 in the plastic. They are just as functional as traditional end brackets: in all types of indus- trial control cabinets, our recycled variants reliably prevent components from shifting on the DIN rail – while contribut- ing to the circular economy. We feel this is a true milestone in circularity – after all, what goes around, comes around. OUR END BRACKET IS MADE FROM 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC T o make our production and products more sustainable step by step, we pursue a comprehensive strategy. For example, we evaluate the entire chronology of each product through extensive lifecycle analyses – from initial raw material to production to end of life. Through this evaluation, we identify potentials for decarbonising our products, and develop concrete, binding measures for implementation in our Eco-Design workshop. This workshop is a required component of our development process. EACH END BRACKET IS UNIQUE: END BRACKETS ARE PRODUCED IN DIFFERENT COLOURS DEPENDING ON THE RECYCLED MATERIALS USED. WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND 17
PORTRAIT: WEIDMÜLLER USA 1 S N O Z I R O H T H G R B I D N O M H C R N I I 18 BRIGHT HORIZONS IN RICHMOND 2 3 In 1975, Weidmüller established its first U.S. loca- tion in Richmond, Virginia – becoming the first Ger- man industrial connectivity manufacturer to enter the American market. The early years were marked by strategic groundwork and the introduction of European style terminal blocks and standards to a completely new customer base. Today, Weidmüller USA continues to drive growth and actively shape the future of industrial connectivity in North America. 1 THE WEIDMÜLLER TEAM IN RICHMOND 2 RANDY SADLER, PRESIDENT & CEO OF WEIDMÜLLER USA 3 OPENED IN 2025: THE NEW ENGINEERING AND PRODUCTION FACILITY IN RICHMOND (OUTLINED IN ORANGE)
After initial success producing the SAK Series Terminal Blocks here in Richmond, the company entered a period of transition. “Our brand visibility changed, and we had to adapt,” Randy explains. What followed was a dynamic phase of renewal: Weidmüller USA sharpened its market focus, expanded its infrastructure, and embraced inno- vation. Today, the site operates the largest dis- tribution center in North America and has just added a 24,000-square-foot engineering and production facility to support complex assembly and future local manufacturing. “We’ve built momentum,” says Randy. “And we’re using it to grow smarter and faster.” MADE IN USA – AND FROM DETMOLD WITH LOVE The Richmond site assembles relay kits, PV DC combiner boxes, populated enclosures, cus- tom DIN-rail assemblies, and OMNIMATE® PCB assemblies. “We’re entrepreneurial by necessity,” says Randy. “Our strength lies in solving customer problems – not offering generic solutions.” With 165 employees and a strong market presence, the team is “focused on growth,” aiming to climb the global revenue leaderboard. An East Westphalian-Lippe company from Germany in the U.S. – Randy knows why this is a perfect match: “German innovation and Ame- rican drive – that’s an amazing formula for suc- cess. Back then as now, we’re driven by the same pioneering spirit. And we‘re shaping the future – one solution at a time.” The horizons in Richmond couldn’t look brighter – or More Orange. BRIGHT HORIZONS IN RICHMOND 19 FROM TRANSI‑ TION TO TRANS‑ FORMATION “We were pioneers,” says Randy Sadler, Presi- dent & CEO . “Bringing IEC Terminal Blocks to the U.S. was a challenge – especially as an unknown brand.” Early efforts focused on building a net- work of distributors and representatives, often far from Virginia.
THE HEART OF ELECTRONICS HIGH‑TECH FROM DETMOLD WE CELEBRATED THE OPENING OF OUR NEW ELECTRONICS PLANT WITH TOURS AND A GREAT PROGRAM OF EVENTS. We launched a new chapter in our compa- ny's history on 5 September 2025: after around two years of construction, moving in systems and machinery, and lots of an- ticipation, we were able to christen our new electronics plant. E lectronic components like the Remote-I/O system u-remote and the PICOPAK isolating amplifier and measuring transducer will be manufactured at the new plant. The production warehouse will house all relevant manufacturing steps under one roof: circuit board assembly, plastic processing and metalwork- ing, installation and logistics. Close collaboration, high efficiency, and maximum quality – that’s what high-tech from Detmold looks like. 20 THE HEART OF ELECTRONICS
IN THE REGION, FOR THE REGION – WHERE OUR CUSTOMERS ARE The plant is designed for growth: by 2030, the plan is to double machine capacity and increase the work- force from 70 to around 300 employees. Staying close to the development department and internal machin- ery and plant engineering generates valuable synergies and accelerates innovation cycles. The building also sets new standards for sustainability – with reversible heat pumps, cogeneration, and a 640 kWp photovol- taics on the roof. With an investment of around 60 million euros – one of the largest in our company’s history – we are under- scoring our commitment to this region and our focus on customers – in the region and for the region, we are where our customers are. Our new electronics plant in the heart of Europe is a place where ideas become innovation – and where we shape the future together. THE HEART OF ELECTRONICS 21
AT A GLANCE FACTS & FIGURES PUEBLA FOUNDING TRENDING INDUSTRIES IN FOCUS MACHINERY POWER BUILDING PANEL BUILDING DEVICE MANUFACTURER DATA CENTRE 60 REPRESENTATIONS PRODUCTION SITES 22 FACTS & FIGURES TORONTO RICHMOND SÃO PAULO SALES COMPANIES 31
GROUP COMPANIES DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTION OUR SITES DETMOLD/HQ TAUTII MAGHERAUS, BAJA MARE/LUGOJ BARCELONA LANŠKROUN LOGATEC/KOMENDA SHANGHAI SINGAPORE SYDNEY 1,000 SALES EMPLOYEES WORLDWIDE EMPLOYEES WORLDWIDE > 1 BILLION € SALES GENERATED IN 2025 FROM DETMOLD WITH FACTS & FIGURES 23