Keeping it in the family at Handtmann to continue a sense of belonging

As of 1 April 2023, Markus Handtmann and Valentin Ulrich will represent the fifth generation of the Handtmann family to take on the management of the Handtmann Group of Companies with headquarters in Biberach an der Riß. The current Managing Partner of Handtmann Holding, Thomas Handtmann, will move to the Advisory Board of the family-owned company at the end of June.

Twenty-five years ago, Thomas Handtmann took over the management of the family business from his father, Arthur Handtmann. Turnover between then and now has more than quadrupled to €1.1 billion today. The headcount also increased from around 1,600 to 4,300 in 2022, distributed over six divisions in total: Filling and Portioning Systems (F&P), Light Metal Casting, Systems Engineering, Process Technology, Plastics Engineering and e-solutions.

Handtmann today has a global network of numerous production and sales locations in addition to the headquarters in Biberach. This includes new foundries in China and Slovakia as well as new locations in Reutlingen (Germany), the Czech Republic and the Netherlands as part of the F&P division. “From a medium-sized enterprise in Upper Swabia, we have developed into an internationally operating technology company," explained Thomas Handtmann. "What is important to me personally is that throughout this time we have always been a family business and that many working people at Handtmann have a strong sense of belonging. It is the people that make Handtmann. They are the key to our success.”

Seventy-year-old Thomas Handtmann will transfer responsibility for the group of companies to his son, Markus Handtmann, and nephew, Valentin Ulrich. Both have mechanical engineering and management experience and have already held various management positions at Handtmann and other companies.

Ulrich, previously CFO in the management of the F&P division, outlines the group of companies’ future course. “Topics such as internationalization, innovation, digitalization and openness to new ways of working are crucial for the future of Handtmann. We will be investing in these and other areas to create sustainable long-term value for our customers, our employees, society and our group of companies.”

Harald Suchanka, CEO F&P, endorses the strategic focus. “The Handtmann family supports the expansion course of our division with sustainable investments in our production and sales infrastructure. I very much look forward to successfully pursuing the corporation’s continued growth course together with the fifth Handtmann generation.

“Our goal is to position Handtmann well for the future so that we can continue moving forward on the path to success," concluded Markus Handtmann. "Our group of companies operates widely diversified, is a strong investor and employs a large number of enthusiastic people. We are very pleased to be leading this team from now on.”