German Quality since 1867
Westermann & Co. produce design household products and continue to prove that tradition and trend do not stand in each other’s way. Founded in Arnsberg in 1867, the Sauerland based company looks back at more than 150 years of experience in metal processing. In the last 30 years, the Wesco branded waste bins have proven to be the household goods producer’s main international success: Wesco-products convince with a combination of superior design and excellent German quality. Pushboy, Baseboy and their product group are not just functional refuse chutes but design classics which have become integral parts of shopping centres, catering establishments, offices and private households.
Figures and facts
Since the beginning of the 90’s, the Wesco group and its high-quality, design-oriented products hold a strong position in the household goods market, which has led to a step-by-step expansion of the company. With about 120 employees, the parent company in Arnsberg is still the company’s head office. Since 1992, the production mainly runs in Schwarzenberg, Saxony. Approximately 120 employees work here. With the brand-experience-centres VILLA WESCO in Arnsberg and VILLA WESCO Mallorca/Spain the company addresses the end consumer directly. The VILLA WESCO concept aims at a brand experience in an authentic environment and a long-term brand loyalty.The present export share of the company is about 35 percent of turnover. The Wesco product range is being exported to about 50 countries worldwide; with the most important markets being Benelux, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the United States.
Company History and Product Development
With its brand Wesco, Westermann & Co represent metal manufacturing in the traditional manner. Founded in Arnsberg in 1867 as construction plumbers, industrial processing followed soon – starting with coffee flasks for miners and stable lamps. The company then gradually specialized in the processing of sheet-steel for household goods and continued to expand its product range. In the twenties, the range was joined by the waste bin. After the war, the company produced its first “foot pedal bin on a base”; the foot pedal mechanism on the inside being the novelty. The constant increase of private household waste led to an expansion of the foot pedal bin range in the 50’s and 60’s. Despite a wider choice of colours and first stainless steel products, the waste bin was still a necessary evil in kitchen and bath. Designs mainly followed functional aspects. In the 80’s, increasing rubbish heaps – and their waste disposal – were a heavily discussed topic amongst experts. This is when Westermann & Co were the first manufacturer to introduce the “eco-double-bin” to the market. The company had been thinking about the increasing importance of waste separation for some time and developed a practical solution for the separation of private household waste. The following years brought the “eco collector” and its brothers and sisters, which offered two-fold to four-fold separations of private household waste. The idea of waste separation was also taken over for built-in bins – part of the Wesco product range since the 70’s.
Today, the built-in range offers over 250 articles with problem solutions for any need or kitchen. At the end of the 80’s, Westermann & Co started a design offensive with their waste bins. Their close connections to the United States played an important role. The American idea of “think big” was put into the Wesco product range. Today’s classic Pushboy had originally been designed according to American examples and is constantly being improved. Kickboy, Kickmaster & Co followed. More and more new ideas of the “Boys ‘n Masters” series kept revolutionizing the market.
Today’s product range focuses on kitchen built-in products and the Wesco design range, the latter encompassing the waste bins Pushboy, Kickboy, Kickmaster, and Baseboy. Their capacity reaches from 8 to 50 liters and their height generally accommodates common fitted kitchen dimensions. Further members of the design range are the bread bins Breadboy, Grandy, Spacemaster and Elly which has been launched on the occasion of the company’s 150th anniversary. Also the range of coloured kitchen accessories has been widened during the last years.
Manufacturing
Modern technology and finest materials guarantee the quality and longevity of Wesco products: high-quality powder-coated or galvanized sheet-steel and stainless steel are being used. Stainless steel, i.e. iron alloyed with chrome or chrome and nickel, is known for its durability and rust resistance. The company strategy regarding functionality is based on a combination of high-tech and tradition: Projects designed at the computer are undergoing extensive test phases for function and sturdiness, before starting with high-technology production. Decades of experience in craftsmanship take care of the final touch.
Next to form and function, colour is another main factor for the success of Wesco’s design range. The current slogan ‘Colorful living’ signals not only the color variety of Wesco design products, but also the lifestyle and fun that go with Wesco.
Company Philosophy
The Westermann & Co company motto “usual goods in unusual design” is the basis for its Wesco branded products. The middle-sized enterprise does not mind taking unconventional steps. Even Cape Canaveral does not surprise as a source of ideas. It blends in the “American Way of Wesco”, as it is always present at Westermann & Co and its design range. In actual fact, the stamp of German craftsmanship quality on all Wesco products is being regarded very positively abroad. This stands for the tradition of craftsmanship and industrial perfection of a classic German manufacturer.
Successful Marketing
In 2014 the company was awarded with the South Westphalian Marketing Award for its consistent and exemplary brand management. Furthermore the German Marketing Association (DMV) awarded the “Best of DMV” price to the marketing management of WESCO. The price honors the consistent marketing between the contradictory contexts of tradition and progress with which the company has achieved an outstanding position in the consumer market. Since 2015 Wesco is listed as ‘Wesco – The metal manufactory’ in the compendium ‘Brands of the century’ giving a comprehensive overview of the premium German brands.
In 2016 Wesco received the German Brand Award in the category `Consumer Goods for outstanding marketing management` followed by the German Design Award and the German Brand Award Gold.
