Winkler und Dünnebier Süßwarenmaschinen GmbH (WDS) is about to take a significant step in its history: Rainer Runkel will be retiring from active management on 31 October 2025.
Jessica Runkel has been part of the company’s management team as a managing partner since 2021. With her father now stepping down completely, she will take over sole management of the company and continue to run the family business in its third generation. She will be supported in this by her sister Vanessa Runkel and long-standing technical director Carsten Butz.
‘I have worked closely with my father over the past few years and gained enormously from his experience,’ says Jessica Runkel. ‘I am delighted to be continuing to run the company together with our very experienced team. Our focus is on securing what has been tried and tested while at the same time providing new impulses to develop WDS in a future-oriented way.’
What was once started by company founder Oswald Runkel with courage and pioneering spirit and further developed by Rainer with passion and dedication is now being continued by the next generation. Rainer Runkel will remain associated with the company in an advisory role.
WDS will remain a reliable partner for its customers in the future – characterized by quality, technological expertise and a corporate culture based on continuity, trust and family values.
About Winkler und Dünnebier Süßwarenmaschinen GmbH (WDS):
Winkler und Dünnebier Süßwarenmaschinen GmbH, based in Rengsdorf, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of machinery for the confectionery industry. For many years, the family-owned company has stood for innovation, quality and partnership-based cooperation. With around 380 employees, WDS develops and produces state-of-the-art production solutions for the manufacture of moulded confectionery with a wide range of applications and performance segments.
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Joseph Clarke
Editor, International Confectionery
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920
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