Wacker Neuson Opens New Group Headquarters

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Wacker Neuson has long-standing ties with this site. It was here that the company moved into its administration offices in 1955, after purchasing the land. The company did not have any close neighbors in the early days as it was not until much later that the Olympic Village was built.

Today, the new headquarters is a hub from which the Group manages over 30 affiliates worldwide and supports 68 sales and service stations in Germany. The office building has 18,500 m2 of total floor space and the adjoining testing halls stretch over 5,500 m2. Around 300 employees (global headcount: 3,350) currently work in the complex. The buildings have also been designed with future growth in mind, offering capacity for a further 350 office workstations. Wacker Neuson intends to capitalize on this headroom in the coming years.

The integrated Research Center is a particular highlight of the new complex with its extensive test zone for walk-behind light equipment innovations – for example, breakers and vibratory plates – all destined for global distribution. To ensure products are tailored to the needs of different customer groups and market regions, the Research Center collaborates closely with Wacker Neuson development sites in the US and Asia as well as with international sales teams.

"This enables us to maintain our position as an innovation leader in the long term. Even today, over half of Group product revenue stems from products that are less than five years old. We will be increasing this share over the coming years," confirms CEO Cem Peksaglam. The Group holds over 600 patents.

Wacker Neuson’s decision to keep its new headquarters in Munich underscores its commitment to the city. The attractive location (and close proximity to two subway stations), together with the Competence Center’s exciting research opportunities, also puts the company in a strong position to win promising new talent in an increasingly competitive market, especially for qualified engineers. "It is crucial for our long-term success that we remain an appealing employment opportunity for talented technical experts and managers. Our new headquarters in Munich increases our pull and underscores our commitment to Germany as a leading industrial location," explains Peksaglam.

The company also wants the spirit of collaboration to extend beyond research and sales to become a defining feature across all departments. "Bundling our central operating activities in Munich should make it easier for employees to communicate directly – and informally – with each other. We have created communication spaces throughout the building in order to foster this sense of open dialog," explains Peksaglam.

In addition to offices and test zones, the new building has its own conference area plus a canteen and terrace with enough space to accommodate works council meetings with over 300 people. Open areas, roof terraces and outside seating can also be used for breaks, meetings and events. Underground parking for 158 cars together with a visitor parking lot and additional employee parking spaces cover current mobility needs.

The Group’s headquarters also integrates the latest technological and energy-efficiency developments. The highly efficient, insulated building is kept warm by district heating and the majority of offices are naturally ventilated. Where ventilation systems are unavoidable, the heat from the outlet air is captured and reused. Rooms are cooled via ceiling panels without the need for mechanical circulation. Groundwater from the company’s own spring is used for cooling; and heating and cooling can be set individually in every room. An extensive green roof development complements this energy-efficient design, ensuring a pleasant working environment. "However, we must not forget that it takes a lot more than technology to create a good atmosphere," states Cem Peksaglam. "Each and every one of us who works here will make an active contribution to the success of this architectural and functional landmark."

For fiscal 2011, Wacker Neuson expects Group revenue to total EUR 930 million (previous year: EUR 757.9 million), the upper end of its previous forecast (EUR 910 to 930 million) and the EBITDA margin to reach between 13 and 14 percent (previous year: 10.3 percent). The Group remains committed to breaking the billion-euro mark for sales during the coming fiscal year and reaching an EBITDA margin of 15 percent.

About Wacker Neuson
Wacker Neuson SE is a global manufacturer of light and compact equipment. With over 30 affiliates and more than 180 locations across the globe, the company offers an exceptionally broad portfolio of products and services.  Manufacturing activities are distributed across three German, one Austrian, two American and one Philippine production sites. Almost all products manufactured by the company are branded Wacker Neuson. The only exceptions to this in Europe are Kramer Allrad products and Weidemann-branded agricultural machinery. With over 300 product categories and complementary rental, spare parts and repair services, Wacker Neuson is the partner of choice among professional users in construction, gardening, landscaping and agriculture, as well as among municipal bodies and companies in the industrial and recycling sectors.