History of WEMO | About us

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.

Volgende
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.

Volgende
1966
Punching tools

Punching units became integrated into complete tools.

Volgende
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.

Volgende
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.

Volgende
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).

Volgende
1975 - 1978
Development of bending units

The first bending units were developed.

Volgende
1978
The first punching/bending machine

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

Volgende
1986
Extension of business premises

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

Volgende
1986
Company takeover by Sip Hoekstra

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

Volgende
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.

Volgende
1990
New accommodation

Moving to the current premises at Larenweg 38.

Volgende
1992
Death of Sip Hoekstra

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

Volgende
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).

Volgende
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.

Volgende
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.

Volgende
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).

Volgende
2011
CNC bending

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

Volgende
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.

Volgende
2012
Unfortunate and sudden passing away of stockholder Rob Hoekstra

Unfortunate and sudden passing away of stockholder Rob Hoekstra

Volgende
2014
WEMO’s 50th anniversary

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

Volgende
2015
New company identity

WEMO’s new company identity is rolled out.

Volgende
2016
Digital operator

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

Volgende
2016
Biggest order ever

WEMO wins its biggest ever order, for €18 million

Volgende
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.

Volgende