>> What is too difficult, too complicated, too tricky for others,

what they pass by deliberately, exactly THAT is what we do <<

 

Company founder Wilhelm Kämper 1888

In 1888, Wilhelm Kämper, born on August 31, 1864, acquired a rolling mill in Lüdenscheid’s Rahmedetal. Here he founded the company “Wilhelm Kämper, Oberrahmede” as a manufacturer. The decision for this location was significantly influenced by the water power of the Rahmede and the connection to the narrow-gauge railroad “Schnurre” between Altena and Lüdenscheid through the Rahmedetal.

The beginnings of the company were characterized by the production of the “piano hook with eye”. This historic item was manufactured until the end of the 20th century due to continuing demand. Wilhelm Kämper died in Oberrahmede on December 24, 1907 at the age of just 43.

Walter Kämper, born on December 25, 1895 in Oberrahmede, was 12 years old when his father died. On January 2, 1919, he took over responsibility for the family business as the second generation.

During his leadership, he experienced challenges such as the inflation of 1923 and the turbulence of the Second World War. Despite these turbulent times, Walter Kämper managed to run the company successfully.
In 1963, Wilhelm Kämper celebrated its 75th anniversary, a significant milestone in the company’s history.

The dedicated manufacturer passed away at the age of 73 on August 9, 1968. His contribution not only shaped the development of the company, but also left behind a significant part of the family tradition.

Friedrich Wilhelm Kämper, the only son of Walter Kämper, born on February 1, 1925, like many of his generation, did not return home after the Second World War.

After Walter Kämper’s death, his wife Elly Kämper, born Dresel, continued to run the business. It was not until April 1977 that a cross-generational transition took place, when niece Hannelore Müchler and nephew Wilhelm Richard Kämper entered the company in equal shares.

In November 1977, a significant change in the company structure took place when the legal form of Wilh. Kämper was changed to GmbH u. Co KG (HRA) and Kämper und Müchler GmbH (HRB). Wilhelm Richard Kämper took over the management of the local business.

Hannelore Müchler, based in Mülheim an der Ruhr, acted in the role of wife and mother, maintaining contact with the company. Through her responsibility for payroll accounting, she maintained regular contact with the employees.

In May 1990, Thomas Müchler joined the company as the fourth generation. He became managing director in August 1991 and took over the position of managing partner in April 1992. At the same time, Wilhelm Richard Kämper left the company, marking a transition in company management and a continuation of the family tradition by the next generation.

In the 1992 financial year, Wilh. Kämper could look back on a team of 32 highly motivated employees and recorded a turnover of DM 3.2 million.

In this year, the company made a groundbreaking investment in its first CNC-controlled hydraulic wire bending machine. This investment not only marked the beginning of technological innovation, but also cleared the previous investment backlog. In the years that followed, the company consistently focused on regular investment, both in machinery and in its building assets.

Particularly noteworthy is the strategic focus on supplying the automotive supply industry with technically complex wire bending parts, which emerged as an important key area for the company. This development contributed significantly to strengthening the company’s competitive position and sustainable growth.

A decisive milestone for Wilh. Kämper was reached in December 1998, when the company, despite its modest size with 37 employees, successfully completed quality certification in accordance with DIN ISO 9002, QS 9000 and VDA 6.1 at the same time and at the first attempt. These awards underline the company’s commitment to the highest quality standards.

In the midst of the global challenges of the world economic crisis in 2008, Kämper also proved its resilience. From October 2008 to July 2009, the company, like many others, experienced a drastic drop in turnover of over 40%.

Nevertheless, it managed to set a sales record of over 10 million euros in the 2011 financial year. This success was primarily thanks to a highly motivated team, which had grown to 67 employees.

In September 2013, Wilh. Kämper GmbH u. Co KG proudly celebrated its 125th anniversary in the recently built logistics hall, a symbolic expression of the continuity, innovation and resilience of the family business.

In January 2021, Yanik Müchler joins the family business as a member of the fifth generation. Followed by Sven Müchler, who completes the fifth generation of the company in August 2021.