History of WEMO | About us

Our history is not merely the sum of facts from the past. Nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to ongoing insights, we constantly make decisions that further underscore our qualities in mechanical engineering and machine parts. Every step leads to the next. It’s a matter of looking back to be able to look forward. This is how our past gives direction to our future.

1964
Founding of WEMO

WEMO International B.V. was officially established on 1st July 1964. WEMO started with the sale of punching units in newly built premises at Dommelstraat 23 in ’s-Hertogenbosch.

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1965
Punching tools

Mr Moulen brought Mr. Sip Hoekstra to the establishment, appointing him as technical manager. The fabrication of punching units was commenced. WEMO had 3 employees; Mr Hoekstra along with a toolmaker and a turner.

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1966
Punching tools

Punching units became integrated into complete tools.

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1968
Hydraulic C-press

The punching units were fitted out with a hydraulic C-press so that holes could be punched along the length of large plates.

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1970
Special stamps & corner tools

Transition to the production of special punches for the manufacture of products that can no longer be made using punching units. For example, hydraulic units for levelling and for greenhouse construction. Besides that, notching tools were developed and added to the overall concept.

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1973
Development of hydraulic cylinders

WEMO has 25 employees and commences with development and fabrication of hydraulic cylinders, hydro-units: the tool with a power pack. This was the starting point for punching machines (the first step in automation).

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1975 - 1978
Development of bending units

The first bending units were developed.

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1978
The first punching/bending machine

The first punching/bending machine was developed. Swivel-bending became an added specialism.

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1986
Extension of business premises

Expansion of the company premises in Dommelstraat by the addition of the former Van Olphen spice factory in Javastraat.

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1986
Company takeover by Sip Hoekstra

Sip Hoekstra takes over the company, which has about 45 employees.

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1989
WEMO’s 25th anniversary

WEMO’s 25th anniversary. This was celebrated by a weekend away in Germany. During that weekend, Sip announced the new building of the premises on Larenweg.

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1990
New accommodation

Moving to the current premises at Larenweg 38.

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1992
Death of Sip Hoekstra

Sip Hoekstra’s death, ownership passes to his sons Rob and Paul Hoekstra.

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1993
Variable Radius Bending Machine

WEMO develops the Variable Radius Bending Machine especially for the lighting industry. This invention produces enormous savings for the lighting industry (no more expensive fixed tools PLUS influences of material- quality and thickness can be corrected over program).

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1994
Expansion of geographical focus

WEMO expands its geographical focus. Alongside the existing focus on the Benelux and German speaking countries, a focus is concentrated upon other European nations, as well as nations outside of Europe.

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2001
Corner forming unit

WEMO develops the corner forming unit on which closed corners could be produced in any size of pre-bent blanks, which made welding and post-processing unnecessary.

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2010
Roll-Press-Brake machine

WEMO develops the Roll-Press-Brake machine, a combination of 2 different processes (rolls & edges) in one machine, which results in a better product quality and less internal logistics (less stock).

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2011
CNC bending

CNC bending is developed. A unique flexible way of bending in combination with high production speed.

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2012
Coil and Sheet punching

The year of development in the field of punching. The Coil Punching Center and Sheet Punching Center were launched. The development of these lines enables rapid punching whilst the punching pattern set-up is freely programmable.

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2012
Unfortunate and sudden passing away of stockholder Rob Hoekstra

Unfortunate and sudden passing away of stockholder Rob Hoekstra

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2014
WEMO’s 50th anniversary

WEMO’s 50th anniversary. This was celebrated by a weekend in Antwerp and of course a wonderful party.

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2015
New company identity

WEMO’s new company identity is rolled out.

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2016
Digital operator

WEMO launched the new digital operator for WEMO machines and the new machine design during Euroblech in Hanover.

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2016
Biggest order ever

WEMO wins its biggest ever order, for €18 million

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2019
PBL market-specific production line series

WEMO launches a market-specific production line configuration that is 5,5 times faster than the average Panel Bender for steel doors, shelving, system wall panels, ceiling panels, lift panels and cabinets. This is the PBL-1550, 2550 and 4000.

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2021
Launch WEMO WEFurbished

WEMO offers fully refurbished WEMO production lines under the name WEFurbished. Our highly automated, custom-made, and high-quality sheet metal processing machines are built to last a lifetime. However, after decades of reliable production, the lifecycle for our customers can come to an end. WEMO provides a second chance for these valuable assets.

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2022
New company identity

WEMO launches a new company identity.

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