The Werhahn Group
Since 2008, Grupo Cafersa, S.L. has been a company belonging to the Rathscheck Schiefer Group, one of the leading producers and marketers of top-quality slate.
As part of Wilh. Werhahn KG, we are committed to its values and philosophy.
A name that unites
Wilh. Werhahn KG, founded by Peter Wilhelm Werhahn in Neuss in 1841, is one of the oldest family businesses in Germany. Today the group of companies is owned by more than 400 descendants of the founder. Originally started as a timber trading company, Werhahn is now active worldwide in the fields of building materials, consumer goods and financial services.
Diversified, versatile and focused - these characteristics have characterized Werhahn since its foundation and form the pillars of its success.
Diversified
From the very beginning Werhahn has not only run one single business activity, but has always been active in various fields. Diversification, with the aim of balancing risks between business activities, is a principle that is still lived today. A principle that has proven itself many times over the course of more than 175 years - especially in politically and economically difficult times.
Adaptable
The involvement in different business activities requires an examination of the entrepreneurial potential of the individual business units. The business portfolio is therefore reviewed regularly.
In all our business activities, the needs of our customers are the focus of our actions. Early recognition of trends and opportunities for innovation and growth play a central role in shaping developments and thus achieving and maintaining a leading position in changing markets.
Focused
The business activities that Werhahn has decided to pursue are carried out in a concentrated, entrepreneurial manner with commitment and passion. We pay particular attention to ensuring that these activities are in line with our social responsibility and that we can develop them sustainably and largely independently of capital markets.
Entrepreneur in business
The central principle at Werhahn is decentralization: Our business units manage their operational business independently and in compliance with internal and external standards, guidelines and laws. Beyond their economic size, they are characterized by medium-sized companies. Flat hierarchies enable fast action and thus customer proximity. Appreciation of expertise, inventiveness, curiosity and openness are the qualitative basis for innovative products and services. The managers of our business units are "entrepreneurs within the company". Conscious of their entrepreneurial responsibility, they make all necessary operational decisions.
The employees of Wilh. Werhahn KG advise the Board of Management in the management of the Group. With their expert knowledge and services, they support the Executive Board and the business segments and also ensure compliance with Group standards.
Value and value-oriented entrepreneurship
From its foundation until today Werhahn is supported by the basic values of personal modesty, reliability and social responsibility as well as family ties. These basic values are combined to a high degree with entrepreneurship and the consistently pursued goal of increasing the earnings and value of the group of companies on a sustainable basis. They are the basis of the Werhahn management competence model and the Werhahn code of conduct, which is binding for all employees. Our claim is to be a leading (family-owned) company in all respects and to constantly learn more in order to continuously improve structures, processes and competencies.
The common set of basic values leaves each business unit room for its own culture. Cooperation within the Werhahn Group is characterized by respect, trust and the ability to engage in dialogue.
Family and Company
The relationship between owners and the company is regulated in the articles of association of Wilh. Werhahn KG, such as the rights of participation and decision making as well as the handling of shares. This set of rules, which has proven itself in the long term, makes an important contribution to the stability and continuity of the company.
Family members are and should be active in the company and represented on the Board of Directors of Wilh. Werhahn KG.