By the outbreak of World War I, Troester had established itself as a manufacturer of special machines for the rubber-processing industry, but faced challenges during the war and post-war turmoil.
Better days returned in the mid-1920s, and Troester started to profit from the development of synthetic rubber and thermoplastics such as PVC. The Second World War again brought difficult times, with the plant in Wülfel almost completely destroyed.
By 1947, the facility had been rebuilt and Troester exhibited at the British-organised Export Trade Fair Hannover, the predecessor of what later became the Hanover Fair.
Modern times
Over subsequent decades, Troester has developed from an equipment manufacturer to a system provider, encompassing electronics, control and automation technologies, in addition to manufacturing.
"We now offer our clients a total package of planning and concept, production and installation as well as on-site maintenance", explains Dr. Peter Schmidt, Troester's managing partner, who took over the reins at the company from his father in 2003.
Last year, sales reached over €120 million from an operation with over 600 employees at its main plant in Germany and the subsidiaries and representative offices in the US, China, Switzerland and Russia. Around 90% of business is outside of Germany.
On average, each employee has been in the company for about 16 years, with many are celebrating their 25th and even 40th anniversaries at Troester.
"The workers and staff feel like they are part of a family", said Schmidt.
The future
