"I’m proud of how strong we’ve become"

Andreas Menger has been an important part of Westermann for three decades. He knows the company inside out: 30 years ago, he joined the then three-person business. Today, Andreas is the Head of Sales, managing a wide range of products and a global network of partners.

Andreas, if you look back over the last 30 years: what do you see then, and what do you see today?

Andreas Menger: Back then, I was 21, and the company had been running for five years. We had a small site in Lengerich and a limited range of radial and axial brushes. It’s not comparable to today. Now, I see a modern company that has grown healthily and is professionally structured. Our product range is much bigger, the site is many times larger — and even more attractive, especially our current presentation and visitor center.

What has stayed the same over the years?

Andreas Menger: The joy of working. Above all, the direct contact with our customers, dealers, and partners. It’s simply fun to work together with users to find ways our machines can make their daily work easier.

What were the important milestones?

Andreas Menger: Definitely the many awards we’ve received for our developments. The medals for our self-propelled machines, the gap cleaner, or the weed control technology stand out.

Were there setbacks too?

Andreas Menger: Well, besides the crises in agriculture and the economy that affected us and our customers, there was the fire in 2022. At that moment, we had nothing left. I was really impressed by Alfons’ courage and our joint effort to keep going — we came back even stronger.

What are the highlights of your work year?

Andreas Menger: The many activities with colleagues — even training together in our in-house gym, which I should probably visit more often. And of course, the direct exchange with customers at trade shows. The highlight is always Agritechnica, where the whole industry comes together.

But in Meppen, you’re like a small family, right?

Andreas Menger: Absolutely. We’ve grown over the years and maintain friendly relationships. Privately, but also at work — after-work barbecues, dart nights, or training together. Alfons always comes up with something to celebrate spontaneously.

Are you different privately than the person your customers and colleagues know?

Andreas Menger: No, I don’t think so. I’m focused, forward-thinking, and careful even in private. I often find myself spotting problems on my property, at the neighbors, or elsewhere — problems our machines could solve.

What makes you proud?

Andreas Menger: That in 30 years, some of my ideas were implemented and are now used worldwide.

That makes the work perfect, right?

Andreas Menger: Yes, but it’s also the everyday things: walking through the company and seeing that everything runs smoothly, a satisfied customer on the phone, or a delighted dealer after a demonstration.

So the future looks good?

Andreas Menger: Definitely. We have a lot ahead. We want to become even more digital and bring new ideas to life.