Windhoffest at the Heuchelheim site
Heuchelheim, October 17, 2026 – Nearly 800 retirees, jubilarians and guests gathered at the Schunk Group’s traditional Windhoffest in the company restaurant in Heuchelheim.
The event provided an opportunity for CEO Peter R. Manolopoulos to give attendees an update on the company’s current development. He explained that fiscal year 2025 had been shaped by a challenging economic environment. Geopolitical conflicts, trade disputes and the continued weakness of key customer markets also affected the Schunk Group.
At the same time, he emphasized the company’s strong position. In fiscal year 2025, the Schunk Group generated revenue of around €1.7 billion, remained profitable and continued to maintain an equity ratio of almost 70 percent. In addition, the company invested approximately €125 million in its future over the past year.
Looking ahead, Manolopoulos outlined the Schunk Strategy 2030, which is designed to create the foundation for profitable growth in the years to come. The ongoing “Focus on Performance” program, aimed at increasing productivity and profitability, is already delivering results. The positive development in order intake is seen by the company as confirmation that it is on the right path.
Strengthening young people’s participation in society
As part of the Windhoffest tradition, the Schunk Group supports a non-profit organization each year. This year, the Windhoffest donation of €10,000 was awarded to the Hessischer Jugendring (Hessian Youth Council).
The Hessischer Jugendring is the umbrella organization of youth associations in the German state of Hesse and the largest representative body for children and young people in the region. Together with its member organizations, it promotes volunteer engagement, non-formal youth education, and the participation of young people in social and democratic processes.
“Democracy education for young people is more important today than ever before. It is equally important to strengthen volunteer engagement and encourage people to remain actively involved despite an increasingly challenging social climate. Thanks to the support of the Schunk Group, we will be able to offer additional democracy education project days for young people and further expand our programs for volunteers in youth associations across Hesse,” said Reiner Jäkel, Managing Director of the Hessischer Jugendring.
A long-standing gathering for retirees and jubilarians
For many former Schunk employees, the Windhoffest is a welcome opportunity each year to return to their former workplace and reconnect with former colleagues. As in previous years, the Kinzenbach Brass Band and the team of the Schunk company restaurant helped create a welcoming atmosphere for the event.