Together with staff from Germany and Bender’s international branches, the family-run company celebrated its 80th anniversary at its headquarters in Grünberg. Speeches, historical exhibits and a look ahead to the coming decades characterised the evening, for which 2 July – the birthday of the company’s founder, Walther Hans Bender – had been deliberately chosen as the date. Guests included Grünberg’s mayor, Marcel Schlosser, as well as long-standing colleagues of senior entrepreneur Dirk Christian Bender.
The focus of the evening was on the welcome speeches given by the management team and by D. Christian Bender, representing the shareholders. Michael Breuer, CEO, looked back on the company’s development and emphasised the tasks that will remain unchanged in the future: “The past 80 years have proven that we can do this. The environment is changing, but our DNA remains the same: to ensure that electrical systems are safe and reliable.”
Michael Fischer, CTO, turned his attention to product development: “At Bender, we have outstanding experts and plenty of creative minds to successfully shape this future.” Steve Mason, CRO, highlighted the opportunities arising from the ever-growing range of electrical applications and the energy transition: “And this creates the greatest market opportunities in Bender’s history.”
Whilst the CEO, CTO and CRO shared their perspectives on the market, technology and the future, COO Christian Jerkel drew a link to the company’s history. To this end, he had brought along an ISOMETER® from the 1950s and placed it next to a modern device. This vividly illustrated Bender’s technological development over several decades.
The speech by D. Christian Bender received particular attention. He spoke of his father, the company’s founder Walther Hans Bender, of the early days in Grünberg and of the company’s development from an engineering practice into a family-run business operating worldwide. Referring to his father’s motto, “It is only through action that one can prove one’s abilities”, he thanked the staff for their work, their performance and their loyalty to the company.
Founded in 1946, Bender now employs around 1,300 staff across 17 countries worldwide. Key departments such as research, development and production remain based at the Grünberg site.
The evolution from the Grünberg-based engineering firm to a global company is also reflected in the anniversaries of several subsidiaries: Bender Canada is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Bender Iberia is marking 25 years, and the Swiss company Optec has been part of the Bender Group for ten years.
Alongside the speeches, the summer party provided an opportunity for socialising, music and celebrating together. A photo booth, an anniversary quiz featuring historical equipment and various sports stations provided entertainment. Guests were also able to leave messages for the year 2046 – when Bender will be celebrating its 100th anniversary.
The speeches and conversations throughout the evening made it clear that, behind the company’s 80-year history, it is above all the people who have built up and developed Bender who are the driving force. Michael Breuer concluded his speech with a look to the future: “Here’s to 80 years of Bender. Here’s to the team. Here’s to the future – the next 80 years.”