Year 2023 marks the 175th anniversary of the Wacker Neuson Group and to celebrate this historical milestone, the South African subsidiary hosted a vibrant local family and friends 175-year celebration on Friday, October 6, 2023.
The event, held under the theme “175 years of Wacker Neuson,” showcased the company’s rich legacy of innovation. Dennis Vietze, MD of Wacker Neuson South and Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasised the importance of sharing the milestone with not only customers, dealers and suppliers, but family and friends as well.
“Wacker Neuson is a family, and it is only fitting to celebrate as one,” said Vietze. “It is important for us to create opportunities to engage with the team and with the brand. More importantly, we want to share our story and our successes with those closest to us: our family and friends.”
Attendees had the opportunity to witness live demonstrations and machine testing of Wacker Neuson’s signature products, including mini-excavators, wheel loaders, generators, light towers, and pumps. Interactive games like Putt-Putt, Tic-Tac-Toe, Excavator Dunk and Wrecking Ball, featuring various excavator models, kept guests entertained.
A highlight of the event was the mini-excavator Putt-Putt game, where guests showcased their golf skills using the excavator boom as a club to try and get a hole-in-one. The day also featured authentic German cuisine and ice-cold refreshments, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Wacker Neuson’s success story began in 1848 when Johann Christian Wacker founded a blacksmith’s shop in Dresden, Germany. Since then, the organisation has continued to revolutionise the construction industry with a host of innovations – the primary focus always on customers and their requirements.
Wacker Neuson set new standards with the introduction of the electric vibratory rammer in 1930, still used for soil compaction to this very day, as well as the first reversible vibratory plate in 1973. The concrete sector welcomed the launch of the internal vibrator for concrete consolidation in 1934, not forgetting the agricultural segment which has also seen new developments in terms of innovative attachments.
In the compact machine segment, Wacker Neuson introduced its first hydraulic mini-excavator in 1984, paving the way for numerous innovations that followed in the mini-excavator area. In 2005, articulated wheel loaders, and later compact telehandlers, were added to the Wacker Neuson portfolio, sculpting the organisation into a single source supplier of world-class compact machines.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, Wacker Neuson launched a zero-emission series in 2014 with the introduction of the first battery-powered wheel loader and rammer. The South African subsidiary currently offers a battery-powered internal vibrator, rammer, vibratory plate and excavator with new zero-emission product launches imminent. These environmentally friendly solutions are ideal for urban and inner-city construction applications, reducing exhaust emissions and noise levels.
Digital innovations have been at the forefront of Wacker Neuson’s advancements, enhancing performance and efficiency. The introduction of Smart Glasses in South Africa in early 2022 exemplifies the company’s dedication to simplifying on-site work. These mixed reality glasses allow service technicians to connect with experts remotely, ensuring swift and precise support.
As Wacker Neuson South Africa celebrates the group’s 175 years of excellence, its commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction and sustainability remains unwavering. The local family and friends 175-year celebration served as a testament to the company’s enduring legacy and its vision for a future of continued progress and success.
