10 decades of NORDWEST
History
The history of
NORDWEST Handel AG
Over 100 years of NORDWEST!
Since its foundation, the trade association has established itself as a major player in the trade and services sector. Find out more about the pioneering development and milestones that have made NORDWEST Handel AG what it is today.
History
Discover the history of NORDWEST Handel AG Dortmund. From its origins to today: key moments, innovations and successes in images and short texts. A fascinating journey through time to revisit exciting moments in our company’s development.
1919 – The foundation year
Founded as Einkaufsverbund NORDWEST GmbH by Berthold Regenbogen together with 22 hardware merchants in Bremen. Their goal: To establish a self-help organisation to combat the market power of the industrial cartels of the time.
1923 – New legal form
“Einkaufsverband NORDWEST GmbH” is converted into a registered cooperative with limited liability (eGmbH).
1927 – First branch office
NORDWEST’s first branch is established in the heart of hardware production in the Westphalian town of Hagen. The strategic goal is to be close to the customers and to establish a permanent presence in this important region.
1945 – Relocation to Hagen
Following the destruction of Bremen in the Second World War, the company headquarters are relocated to Hagen. The company is renamed “NORDWEST Eisen- und Metallwaren eGmbH”.
1973 – Aiming high
NORDWEST constructs a new high-bay warehouse – considered at the time to be the most modern and efficient in Europe. A fully automated storage facility is created here for the first time. The high-bay warehouse can accommodate 15,000 pallets in a compact space.
1980 – Premiere of the NORDWEST exclusive brand
NORDWEST launches its first own brand: the delphis collection. These products are characterised by good and high quality at reasonable prices.
1987 – Own brand PROMAT off to a great start
This year marks the beginning of success story of the own brand PROMAT from the tool and tool technology segment.
1992 – From cooperative to joint stock company
A decision is made to convert the cooperative into NORDWEST Handel AG. The share capital of the cooperative members is exchanged for registered shares with restricted transferability at a ratio of 1:1.
1999 – Internet ordering system
The turnkey internet packet is launched on the market. The decisive advantage: access to a central catalogue database which trade partners can use to put together their individual product ranges
1999 – Admission to stock exchange trading
The company is admitted to official trading on the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange. The first listing is celebrated on 19 August 1999.
2005 – Outsourcing in logistics
The NORDWEST central warehouse is relocated to the logistics centre of Rhenus SE & Co. KG in Gießen. The member companies benefit from significantly improved logistics and new services.
2005 – Cooperation established
Building services activities are consolidated into the co-operation company HAGRO. Soon after its launch, HAGRO already serves more than 100 medium-sized specialist wholesalers.
2007 – Nürnberger Bund taken over
On 1 September of this year, NORDWEST acquires all shares in Nürnberger Bund Produktionsverbindungshandels GmbH (NBP): The foundations are laid for further growth.
2013 – Admission to trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange
On 13 June 2013, NORDWEST shares were admitted to trading on the regulated market (General Standard) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
2016 – Relocation to Dortmund
On 19 September 2016, NORDWEST Handel AG relocates its headquarters to the Phoenix-West site in Dortmund.
2019 – NORDWEST celebrates 100 years!
NORDWEST Handel AG celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019. Celebrate with us!
2021 – New member of the Management Board - Michael Rolf
The Supervisory Board of NORDWEST Handel AG appoints Michael Rolf as a member of the Management Board with immediate effect by order dated 7 June 2021.
2022 – Record figures
Once again, the NORDWEST Group closes the 2022 financial year with record figures. The business volume achieved, totalling € 5,827.3 million, significantly exceeds that of the previous year. The overall result corresponds to an increase of 19.9 % or an increase of around € 1 billion.
2022 – 40 years of delphis
Celebrating 40 years of delphis – Fascinating baths & technology
2023 – New member of the Management Board - Thorsten Sega
By resolution passed today, the Supervisory Board of NORDWEST Handel AG appoints Thorsten Sega as an additional member of the company’s Management Board with effect from 1 October 2023.
