The former toolmaker apprentice is now making the company fit for the future

Interview with Heiko Wolz, Technical Managing Director of König & Meyer

André Scherzer: Mr. Wolz, it’s a pleasure to talk to you about your impressive career at König & Meyer. You’ve been part of König & Meyer for 37 years. Can you give us a deeper insight into your beginnings and your career?

Heiko Wolz: With pleasure. My starting at König & Meyer was actually a kind of twist of fate. My father worked nearby and knew König & Meyer quite well. When I applied, the company was one of the well-known manufacturers in Wertheim that I thought I might like to work for. After a successful job interview, I began my training as a toolmaker and have since gotten to know the many facets of the company. An allergy to cooling lubricants almost prematurely ended my career at König & Meyer. But thanks to the support of mentors and superiors such as the former operations manager Lothar Dosch, I was able to grow within the company. After training as a toolmaker, I passed the master craftsman’s examination and completed the business administration course at the Chamber of Crafts. I started out in work preparation and then took over the management of König & Meyer. In 2005, I became technical managing director, and Gabriela König took over the commercial management.

André Scherzer: How has the support of your colleagues helped you?

Heiko Wolz: Lothar Dosch wasn’t just my boss back then. He was a real supporter and helped guide me along my career path. His experience, foresight, and support helped me to discover my organizational talents and to develop these skills – initially in the area of work preparation. He encouraged and motivated me to break new ground. This proved to be decisive for my professional development. My personal contact with the then managing partner Martin König later had a strong influence on how I dealt with risks and business decisions.

André Scherzer: What highs and lows have you experienced during your career at König & Meyer?

Heiko Wolz: The highs and lows of my career reflect the highs and lows of the company. There have been periods of growth and expansion but also phases of uncertainty and challenges. Especially in difficult times such as during the coronavirus pandemic, the company had to act quickly and flexibly in order to meet changing market conditions. For example, with the production of disinfectant stands, we have managed to maintain our position and emerge even stronger from the crisis. For me, there were many challenges. For example, in dealing with the department heads and taking on additional responsibilities. But with perseverance and the support of my colleagues, I was able to win them over and gain their trust.

André Scherzer: You played a key role in the modernization and technological development of the company. How did you experience these processes, and what challenges did you have to overcome?

Heiko Wolz: I believe that modernization and technological development are crucial for the long-term success of a company. Both require courage and a willingness to take risks – but also gut instinct and teamwork. The purchase of our tube laser machines and later the flatbed laser system were strategic steps that enabled us to manufacture more flexibly, save on tool costs, and offer many products in smaller quantities. It was not clear from the outset whether these investments would have the desired effect. But the rapid use of the new equipment has confirmed our decisions. This was also the case with the construction of the new König & Meyer logistics center. This was a seven-figure investment, which naturally made us a little uneasy. But looking back, it feels good to know that we made the right decisions at the right time.

André Scherzer: How do you see the future of König & Meyer?

Heiko Wolz: I am convinced that König & Meyer has a successful future ahead of it. My good and trusting cooperation with the managing partner Gabriela König and the commitment and loyalty of our employees were – and are – decisive for our success. Our shared vision and our passion for quality will help us to remain at the forefront of the changing markets. We hold true to our values and continue to invest in the further development of the company and in the Wertheim site in order to remain effective and further expand our position as market leader.

André Scherzer: Mr. Wolz, your recent acquisition of shares in König & Meyer was a remarkable development. Can you tell us what prompted you to do this and how you experience this change?

Heiko Wolz: The decision to acquire shares in the company was an important step for me. A step that was – and is – an expression of my commitment and my deep attachment to König & Meyer. It’s a good feeling to now be able to play an even greater role in shaping the future of the company. I am truly grateful that the König and Meyer families have placed their trust in me and are relying on me for the further development of the company. But I’m also a family man myself. It was therefore important to me that this decision, like many important personal decisions before it, had the full support of my family.

André Scherzer: Finally, what makes König & Meyer an attractive employer?

Heiko Wolz: König & Meyer is characterized by not only its special products and leading market position but also a corporate culture based on family values and employee development. Each individual is valued and encouraged, and we work together to lead the company successfully into the future. This unique combination of high standards and personal interaction makes König & Meyer an attractive employer that offers room for personal growth and professional development. The fact that you can make it from trainee to managing director is indicative of our corporate culture and actually says everything about the development opportunities in the company,

André Scherzer: Thank you very much, Mr. Wolz, for the interview and the inspiring insights.

Heiko Wolz: Thank you.