Rolling towards a successful future

In autumn 2023, the family business achieved a significant milestone when it inaugurated a new building on its premises in Lübeck’s Roggenhorst industrial estate, effectively doubling its production and storage capacity. The new hall covers an area of 4,500 square metres and stands at a height of ten metres. Despite its substantial size, Dr Thies Wache notes that its thermal insulation values are  comparable to that of a typical detached house. He, his sister Bettina Wache-Möhle and his wife Claudia Wache form the triumvirate at the helm of the company. "Sustainability is extremely important to us. We have taken steps to recover heat energy from our systems and almost entirely reintegrate our production waste into our material cycle. Furthermore, our products are approximately 90 per cent recyclable,” explains the co-CEO. Claudia Wache gestures towards additional areas behind the new production hall, where, following the completion of the construction work, a wildflower meadow has been sown: “A reserve for future growth, currently providing a habitat for bees and other insects.”

Medical technology, aviation, optics, mechanical engineering – The wheels are always in motion

Since 2012, the family business has been based in Lübeck and has steadily expanded during this time, both spatially and in terms of its workforce. “We evolve with the market and our customers. We’re not just selling a product, but above all our know-how and expertise. We take pride in our longstanding customer relationships,” explains Bettina Wache-Möhle. In the field of precision engineering and machining, Wache’s customers predominantly hail from the technology, aviation, optics and mechanical engineering sectors. Wache offers high-quality solutions – from individual parts to large series and complete assemblies, with dimensions ranging from under a millimetre in diameter to three metres in length, and encompassing a wide range of materials. This diversity is equally apparent when it comes to the manufactured wheels, castors and transport systems – from small castors that must withstand extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or aggressive media, to units with a load capacity of 100 tons.

Two wheels are better than one

The company’s presence in two distinct sectors has historical roots. In 1984, Manfred Wache established the wheels and castors business in Hamburg, with his children Thies and Bettina actively involved. Following this, Thies Wache and his wife Claudia founded the precision engineering company, Feinmechanik Wache GmbH, in 2006. After the senior Wache passed the reins to the next generation, both companies joined forces in 2012. “Having these two pillars is an advantage for us today, allowing us to navigate through changing economic conditions,” explains Claudia Wache.

Rolling towards the future on solid ground

At their Lübeck location, the three joint CEOs still see a lot of untapped potential. This is partly attributed to its strategic position on the “axis of the future” between Hamburg, the “Gateway to the World”, and the growth markets in the Baltic Sea region, which will become even more accessible with the completion of the Fehmarn Belt Tunnel. “The North is capitalising on its strengths,” notes Bettina Wache-Möhle with satisfaction. In her role on the board of the HanseBelt network, she actively forges connections between individuals and businesses in the region, championing the virtues of Germany’s True North. “According to the ’Happiness Atlas’, the happiest people in Germany live in Schleswig-Holstein. We can confirm that assessment,” says the Hamburg native with a smile.
When searching for skilled workers and apprentices, the natural benefits of the location, such as its proximity to beaches and vibrant heritage cities like Lübeck, come into play. Additionally, Wache takes proactive steps to maintain its appeal as an employer: “For instance, we’ve recently introduced a shortened shift on Fridays,” says Thies Wache. To attract young talent, the company attends school events and trade fairs, and maintains an active presence on social media platforms. “Especially among young people, we need to rekindle the appeal of manual and production work.”