WECK, a historic glassware manufacturer, has been acquired by AURELIUS to resolve succession challenges and promote future growth.

Information on the Target

The WECK Group, headquartered in Wehr-Öflingen, Baden-Württemberg, has been a renowned manufacturer of glassware for over a century. Specializing in glass jars for the food industry, the family-owned company employs approximately 350 individuals and is recognized for its iconic spring-topped jars, which facilitate the preservation of food. The German term "einwecken," synonymous with food conservation, has its origins in the company's legacy and is officially documented in the Duden dictionary. In addition to its flagship products, WECK also produces glass candle holders and various packaging jars at its Bonn facility.

Since 1982, the company has been run by Eberhard Hackelsberger, the great-grandson of its founder. However, the absence of a successor within the family prompted the urgent need for an external investor. In mid-2023, WECK faced a liquidity crisis exacerbated by escalating raw material and energy costs linked to the Ukraine conflict, alongside essential capital investments required to modernize its facility.

Industry Overview in Germany

The food preservation industry in Germany has developed significantly, reflecting broader trends in sustainability and health-conscious consumerism. Glass packaging, in particular, has gained traction due to its recyclability and favorable impact o