Wacker Neuson SE, or formerly as Wacker Construction Equipment AG, is a German manufacturer of construction equipment and compact machines for concrete and construction sites technology.[2] It is mostly headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The company is listed in the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Founded as a family business in 1848 and as a international of groups, it employed from around 6,600 people worldwide.[3]
The company was founded in 1848 by Johann Christian Wacker as a blacksmith’s shop in Dresden, Germany, under the name Wacker.[4] Industrial production began in 1875. In 1930, engineers developed high-frequency technology for internal concrete vibrators,[5] and introduced the first electrically powered rammer, a compact machine for soil compaction.[6]
Before World War II, the company expanded its product portfolio and sales network both domestically and internationally. Near the end of the war, its production facility in Dresden was destroyed, bringing operations to a halt.
Business resumed in 1945 in Kulmbach, and the headquarters moved to Munich in 1951. The first foreign affiliate was established in 1957 in Hartford, Wisconsin, United States, later relocating to Menomonee Falls in 1986, where a production and logistics center exists.[1]
Wacker transitioned from a limited company (GmbH) to a public limited company (AG) in 2002 under the name Wacker Construction Equipment AG. Until 2005, it focused on light construction equipment up to about three tons, including concrete technology, soil and asphalt compaction, demolition, and utility tools.
In 2005, Wacker acquired Weidemann GmbH, expanding into compact construction equipment and agriculture.[7] In 2006, the company acquired a Drillfix AG (Switzerland) and a Ground Heaters Inc (USA).
On 31 October 2007, Wacker merged with Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen AG, based in Linz, Austria, a manufacturer of compact excavators, wheel loaders, dumpers, and skid steer loaders. Neuson Kramer was formed in 2001 from the merger of Neuson Baumaschinen GmbH (founded 1990) and Kramer-Werke GmbH. Neuson started as Neuson Hydraulics GmbH in 1981. Lifton Ltd, a dumper manufacturer, was acquired in 1998, and skid steer loaders were added in 2004.[9]
In February 2009, the company changed its legal form and name to Wacker Neuson SE.[citation needed]
Between 2011 and 2017, Wacker Neuson produced miniature excavators for Caterpillar Inc. at its Hörsching plant in Austria, which was recognized among Austria’s Leading Companies in 2015. In 2017, Kramer formed a strategic alliance with John Deere to sell telehandlers and wheel loaders via John Deere’s dealer network.[citation needed]
In 2022, Wacker Neuson acquired Spanish company Enarco S.A., specializing in light construction equipment for concrete compaction. Enar’s production is based in Zaragoza, Spain.[10]
Group overview
Wacker Neuson electric machines in applicationWheel loader 8155 by Kramer with typical all-wheel drive
Wacker Neuson SE operates worldwide, organizing its business into three main regions: Europe, America, and Asia-Pacific. The group divides its activities into three primary segments:
**Light Equipment:** Hand-held and walk-behind tools such as rammers, vibratory plates, hammers, cutting tools, and vibrators.
**Compact Equipment:** Machinery up to approximately 14 tons, including compact excavators, wheel loaders, telescopic handlers, skid-steer loaders, and dumpers.
**Services:** Spare parts, maintenance, and repair.
Applications span construction, civil engineering, road building, agriculture, landscaping, municipal works, recycling, and industrial projects.
The group includes the brands Wacker Neuson, Kramer, and Weidemann, along with several production plants and affiliates.
Brands
**Wacker Neuson:** Offers walk-behind and hand-held construction equipment and compact construction machinery worldwide.
**Kramer:** Specializes in all-wheel-drive wheel loaders, telescopic handlers, and telescopic wheel loaders.
**Weidemann:** Focuses mainly on articulated wheel loaders, telescopic wheel loaders, and telehandlers for agricultural use.
Management
Since June 2021, Dr. Karl Tragl has served as CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board. The Supervisory Board is chaired by Hans Neunteufel, a member of the founding family.
In 1930, Hermann Wacker invented the first vibratory rammer, marking a significant milestone in the development of construction equipment. Since then, the Group has continuously advanced alternative drive technologies, driver assistance systems, and the digital networking of products and services.
Zero Emission
Since 2015, Wacker Neuson has produced battery-powered vibratory rammers that enable emission-free construction. These zero-emission solutions allow entire construction sites to operate without producing harmful exhaust while maintaining performance comparable to that of conventional machines for the duration of an average workday.
Autonomous vibratory plate
At the 2019 Bauma fair, the company presented the autonomously controlled vibratory plate DPU110r with compaction control. It is operated via a tablet, allowing the user to mark compaction areas digitally. The machine automatically documents the work, generating daily reports for contractors.
Smart Factory
Wacker Neuson develops "Smart Factory" solutions to optimize production. These include assistance systems in assembly, digital quality management, and the use of 3D printing for prototyping. The company also works on creating "digital twins" for improved machine monitoring and time management.
Smart processes
The Group tests augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality technologies to enhance processes such as attachment positioning, version comparison, and operator visibility.[12]
Locations
Group headquarters
Wacker Neuson SE, Munich, Germany
Training center Europe
Wacker Neuson Academy, Reichertshofen, Germany
Production Europe
Wacker Neuson SE, Reichertshofen, Germany
Wacker Neuson Linz GmbH, Hörsching, Austria
Weidemann GmbH, Diemelsee-Flechtdorf, Germany
Kramer-Werke GmbH, Pfullendorf, Germany
Wacker Neuson Kragujevac d.o.o., Kragujevac, Serbia
Production America
Wacker Neuson Corporation, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, USA
Production Asia
Wacker Neuson Machinery (China) Co., Ltd., Pinghu City, Zhejiang Province, China
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