ucky to keep its independence.
Following the first economic crisis of the young republic many coal mines not only in the Ruhr area are closing down, thus reducing the Friedberg customer base by a whole industry. In spite of this crisis, which also strongly affects the city of Gelsenkirchen, Friedberg decides to expand its premises located in Belforter Straße to 25000 square meters.
The third generation in the family takes over the helm. The company, whose premises have now grown to over 30000 square meters, is henceforth headed by the graduate economist Dipl.-Oec. Ingrid Brand-Friedberg, who expands the business further and begins to realign it, including production processes and equipment, so as to attract more international customers.
The direct export share of the parent company in Gelsenkirchen amounts to over 50% of the turnover.
The rapid reorganization into an internationally active specialized manufacturer of high-value connecting technology is being continued. Research and development are gaining in importance and so do aspects like quality, logistics, services and technical advice. The transformation into a global business is also spurred on by new industries, which are successfully conquered as key markets.
The new millenium sees the company AUGUST FRIEDBERG as a much valued player in the global market for fastening systems with ever better equipment and now 500 employees at the headquarters in Gelsenkirchen. Last but not least, this is thanks to the increasing demand from the wind energy industry.
With a history of now 130 years the company is one of the oldest family businesses in Germany and still on a winning streak. Next to automotive products it is especially the wind bolts, demanded from the rapidly growing market for renewable energies, which give a major boost to the company’s technological development and production capacity.
Upon the death of the long-term owner and general manager of the company, Ingrid Brand-Friedberg on February 4, Beatrix Brand from the fourth generation takes over responsibility for the continuously growing family business.
Changes and modernizations, new structures and further improved standards characterize the image of a company, which considers itself well-prepared for all future technical and economic requirements. The tradition will be continued: Manufacturing strong connections and high-quality products for demanding industries and applications. The reliability of a family business passed on for generations remains one of the pillars of a customer-focused business policy.