By: Thomas Fritsch, Chief Editor
By: Dr. Marcus Wirtz
The foundry industry is facing major challenges in the wake of global industrial transformation. Added to this are geopolitical changes, structural change in the automotive industry, growing demands for sustainability and CO₂ reduction, and high energy prices. This is challenging companies to an unprecedented extent. What is needed are intelligent processes, efficient technologies and partners who actively support the transformation process.
The JOEST group from Dülmen has been at home in this industrial environment for 105 years. With vibration-based conveying and processing technology, cooling and desanding systems, sand regeneration, charging technology, and complete mixing and feeding systems, the owner-managed family business has established itself as a leading solution provider for foundries. More than 1,100 employees – around 450 of whom are based at the headquarters in Dülmen – develop customized systems worldwide that go far beyond standard solutions.
We talk to one of the managing partners, Dr. Marcus Wirtz, about the special challenges facing the foundry industry, the expectations of international customers and how JOEST is using its technical expertise and global presence to make the industry fit for the future.
105 years of German Engineering
FP: Dr. Wirtz, JOEST has been based in Dülmen for over 105 years. How important is this location for your company today?
Dr. Marcus Wirtz (JOEST Group): We are very proud of our history – but the last 25 years, which have been marked by strong development and international expansion, have been decisive. Especially in times of economic and geopolitical challenges, however, we are looking ahead: to new technologies, digitalization, software solutions and efficient complete systems for our customers.
FP: You have twelve subsidiaries worldwide. What role does German engineering still play?
Dr. Marcus Wirtz: A very big one. We consciously uphold the principle of German engineering, even though our subsidiaries operate independently. Our largest subsidiary is located in Australia, where we focus exclusively on mining and minerals. I myself was managing director in the USA, one of our largest growth markets, for many years. After a phase of offshoring, reshoring began there around ten years ago, which has led to foundry technology regaining importance. Many businesses are old, and modernization with state-of-the-art technology offers enormous potential.
FP: Despite globalization, how important are regional roots in Dülmen?
Dr. Marcus Wirtz: Very important. We have an excellent infrastructure here, with a high level of vertical integration, an attractive living environment, proximity to universities and a strong training program with seven occupational profiles. Between 30 and 40 trainees are permanently based at our site – we take on many of them later and offer dual or part-time study programs. This is a central part of our corporate culture.
FP: How do the markets in Europe, the US, and Asia differ?
Dr. Marcus Wirtz: In Europe, energy efficiency is the big issue – new products, fewer combustion engines, greater automation and digitalization. In the USA, the traditional automotive sector continues to play an important role, including combustion engines. Mexico is growing strongly, with many Americans and Japanese investing there. Asia has always had very high quality and response requirements – we score highly there with our own local engineering and service teams.
FP: JOEST is considered a technology leader. What are your unique technical selling points?
Dr. Marcus Wirtz: Many of the machines commonly used today were originally developed at JOEST. Our claim is to be a technology leader. We offer individual machines and complete solutions – from 3D planning and recording to customized systems with automation and service.
Our core competence remains vibration technology, but we have expanded specifically through acquisitions – for example, with Dieterle's lifting and tipping technology or Dr. Gössling's magnetic and hinged belt conveyors, which are now part of the JOEST group. This enables us to implement complete furnace charging systems and charging equipment, for example, and to provide parts tracking with RFD chips, automation, and safety solutions.
FP: How much do digitalization and artificial intelligence influence your work?
Dr. Marcus Wirtz: Very strongly. We develop our drive technology ourselves and are increasingly equipping it with intelligence – for predictive and preventive maintenance. AI is becoming a tool for converting the wealth of measurement data into customer benefits and, for example, supplementing the experience of our technicians and engineers. The knowledge remains within the company, but digital systems make it even faster and more precise to use.
FP: How do you deal with global challenges – transformation, geopolitical tensions, new markets?
Dr. Marcus Wirtz: We focus on pooling expertise and are clearly committed to Germany as a business location. During the coronavirus pandemic, we invested heavily in our main site in Dülmen, for example in a stainless steel production facility that is probably unique in Europe. Today, we produce almost CO₂-neutrally – thanks to photovoltaics and geothermal energy.
Our philosophy: Everything related to quality remains in our own hands. At the same time, we are establishing competence centres around the world – in the US, Asia, India, and South America – in order to remain close to our customers. India is a growing and highly interesting market, where we have our own subsidiary that successfully produces for the local market – especially for foundries. The quality requirements differ, but the market is developing dynamically. India will certainly play an important role in the coming years.
FP: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for the future – and what is your vision for JOEST?
Dr. Marcus Wirtz: Our world will be much more dynamic and unpredictable in the next 10 to 20 years. That is a challenge – but also an opportunity. We have a strong, cross-generational management team and are excellently positioned both technologically and digitally.
Our vision: JOEST will remain a machine manufacturer but will become even more intelligent. We are integrating more digital solutions, automation, and software into our systems and individual machines – while remaining flexible and customer-oriented in all markets.
FP: How are US trade policy and punitive tariffs affecting your business?
Dr. Marcus Wirtz: As a German-American entrepreneur, I know both sides well. Of course, we are feeling the impact of the tariffs – but we are flexible. A complete relocation of production would be risky, as we manufacture over 180 product types, most of which are customer-specific. Quality and technical safety are paramount.
Free trade in the traditional sense is unlikely to return. The US is focusing permanently on national priorities.
FP: You have spoken very clearly about the economic and social situation. What would you like to see from German industry?
Dr. Marcus Wirtz: More courage and less self-criticism. We are world leaders in many technologies – mechanical engineering, foundry, recycling, mining – but we need to communicate this more confidently to the outside world. Germany needs speed, innovative spirit, and the will and courage to implement things again. If we rest on our laurels, we will lose. Entrepreneurship means risk – and responsibility.
FP: Dr. Marcus Wirtz, thank you very much for your clear view of things, your global vision, and your commitment to Germany as a business location. With digitalization, sustainable production, and self-confident mechanical engineering, the JOEST group will continue to set international standards in the future.
About the JOEST group:
With 12 subsidiaries on four continents under the management of Alexander Moormann and Dr. Marcus Wirtz, the JOEST group has a global network and is close to its customers. Since 2001, its international presence has been systematically expanded – from Australia to North and South America to Asia and Africa. With GOESSLING (since 2019) and MOGENSEN (since 2024), the portfolio has been expanded to include specialized solutions in conveying and screening technology. JOEST has always played a leading role in foundry technology worldwide with many new developments and has evolved from a supplier of individual machines to a provider of complete solutions.
Foundry-Planet Interview with Dr. Marcus Wirtz, Managing Partner of the JOEST group
Conducted by Thomas Fritsch, Editor-in-Chief Foundry-Planet GmbH
