>> 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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.