CHRONICLE

The history of our company

As a leading company in the trade of automotive and commercial vehicle parts, accessories, tools and workshop equipment in Europe and as a second-generation family business, we can look back with pride on an impressive history. From our foundation in 1945 to the acquisition of the MTS Group in 2022, our company has been characterised by decisive milestones. We cordially invite you to be inspired by our history and to immerse yourself in the world of WM together with us.

Gründung

1945

FOUNDATION

Wessels AG and the Müller Group were founded independently of each other in Osnabrück.

1968

HEADQUARTERS

Wessels AG moves its headquarters to Pagenstecherstrasse.

1989

ACQUISITION

The wholesaler for connection technology Fuchs und Sanders is taken over by the Müller Group.

2001
MERGER

With retroactive effect from the beginning of the year, Wessels AG and Hans Müller GmbH & Co. KG have merged to form one of the most powerful wholesalers in the automotive aftermarket. The name of the new company is Wessels + Müller AG, headquartered on Pagenstecherstrasse in Osnabrück. The new company logo will be a green triangle with the lettering "WM" on a yellow stripe. The company colours of Wessels AG and the logo shapes of Hans Müller GmbH & Co. KG symbolise the new unity

2007
SALE OF SHARES + NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD

Mr Franz Wessels sells his shares in WM AG to Mr Hans-Heiner Müller with effect from 4 September 2007.

In the same year, Mr Frank Schröder takes over as Chairman of the Management Board from Mr Horst Sundermann. 

2014
CHANGE OF NAME + OPENING OF LOGISTICS CENTRE

Wessels + Müller AG changes its name to WM SE and on 20.03.2014, Wessels + Müller AG officially opened its new logistics centre in Hedemünden, Lower Saxony. With a width of 42.5 m, a length of 107 m and a height of 40 m, the most modern logistics centre in the German automotive parts industry offers over 100,000 m² of space for more than 175,000 vehicle parts.

2016

TAKEOVER

Trost SE is taken over by WM.

2020

ANNIVERSARY & LOGISTICS CENTRE HEDEMÜNDEN

This year, WM celebrates its 75th anniversary. The logistics centre in Hedemünden will also be expanded and put into operation.

2022

ACQUISITION

In 2022, WM acquires 100 per cent of the shares in the MTS Group. As an international branded goods company, the MTS Group is represented at 9 locations worldwide with around 700 employees.