A successful global development
How a steel mill in the small town of Wickede became an international corporate group
Our History
With the founding of Wickeder Eisen- und Stahlwerk GmbH in 1913, the history of a cold rolling mill began in Wickede (Ruhr), initially dedicated to the precise refinement of steel. However, it soon became more than mere processing: the idea of deliberately bonding metals to create new materials was born.
With the 1920 patent for cladding iron strips with aluminum, a path began that continues to define Wickeder Group today: constantly reimagining steel as a material – as the foundation for technical innovations worldwide.
Chronicle of Wickeder Group
Today, Wickeder Group unites eight specialized companies under one roof – each with its own expertise. With locations in Europe, America, and Asia, the Group stands for technological diversity, sustainable growth, and the pioneering spirit that has driven it since 1913.
Acquisition of TMP
Acquisition of SFA – Solmser Feinblech- und Apparatebau GmbH – expansion of capacities in precision sheet metal and assembly manufacturing.
BTR Lasertechnik GmbH becomes part of the Group – specialist in laser cutting and processing.
WaCo Gerätetechnik GmbH (Ruhla) joins the Group – specialist in precision mechanical assembly and housing technology.
Etchform BV (Netherlands) is acquired by micrometal and strengthens the international market position in precision etching.
Founding of HP Etch AB (Sweden) as a subsidiary of micrometal – complementing European etching expertise.
Sale of the cold-rolled strip business to CDW
The traditional Auerhammer Metallwerk GmbH (Aue) becomes part of Wickeder Group and expands the portfolio with high-quality metal refinement.
Acquisition of EMS Clad Metals (USA) – Wickeder Group becomes globally positioned.
Founding of micrometal GmbH – development of finest metal structures through wet chemical etching; part of Wickeder Group from the beginning.
Opening of the US location Wickeder Steel Company in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin – the step into the North American market.
Merger to form today’s Wickeder Westfalenstahl GmbH – as the technological heart of the future Wickeder Group.
Start of stainless steel cladding – milestone in precision processing.
Development and series production of the first colored claddings (Cufer, Brafer, Tomfer) – beginning of modern composite technology.
Acquisition of the cold rolling mills Ebbinghaus & Co. and Kraft & Co. – the Westfalenstahl brand is created.
After rebuilding the war-damaged facilities, the company resumes production.
Granting of the patent for cladding iron strips with aluminum – the beginning of unique material expertise.
Founding of Wickeder Eisen- und Stahlwerk GmbH in Wickede (Ruhr) – origin of today’s Wickeder Westfalenstahl GmbH.