WEPA
The WEPA Group is a European family business specializing in the production and distribution of sustainable hygiene paper, offering innovative solutions for both consumer and professional markets.
Company facts
- Founded
- 1948
- Headquarters
- Germany
- CEO
- Martin Krengel
About
The story of the WEPA Group is a journey that began in 1948, when Paul Krengel founded the 'Westfälische Papierfabrik' in Arnsberg, Germany. Initially, it operated as a wholesale business, trading in lining, wrapping, and gift-wrapping paper. The pivotal shift in its trajectory occurred in 1953 when the company ventured into the processing of hygiene papers. This was a significant step that laid the groundwork for its future specialization. The real transformation, however, began in 1958 with the construction of its very first paper machine for crepe paper in Müschede. This marked WEPA's entry into manufacturing its own paper, a move that would define its identity for decades to come. The company's growth continued with the establishment of a plant in Marsberg-Giershagen in 1963, which focused on the further processing of the paper they produced. A key milestone in their evolution was in 1980 when they started developing their first private labels, a business segment that would become a cornerstone of their success. As the years went by, WEPA's ambition grew beyond the borders of Germany. The turn of the millennium marked the beginning of its European expansion. In 2001, WEPA fully acquired Kriepa GmbH in Kriebethal, a company with which it had a joint venture since 1990. This was followed by a series of strategic acquisitions and expansions across the continent, including entering Poland in 2005, and later Italy, France, the UK, and the Netherlands. These moves solidified WEPA's position as a major player in the European hygiene paper market. Today, the WEPA Group stands as one of the top three largest manufacturers of hygiene paper in Europe, with a strong focus on sustainable and innovative solutions. It operates 14 production sites across six European countries, employing approximately 4,000 people. The family-run business, now managed by the third generation of the Krengel family, remains committed to its founding values of respect, commitment, and sustainability, continually striving to provide hygiene solutions that contribute to the well-being of millions of people every day.