History of WEMO | About us

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.

Punching units became integrated into complete tools.

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

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.

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).

The first bending units were developed.

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

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

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

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.

Moving to the current premises at Larenweg 38.

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

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).

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

Unfortunate and sudden passing away of stockholder Rob Hoekstra

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

WEMO’s new company identity is rolled out.

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

WEMO wins its biggest ever order, for €18 million

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.