Tradition and Transformation – how JOEST is leading the foundry industry into the future
By: Thomas Fritsch, Editor-in-Chief
By: Dr Marcus Wirtz
The foundry industry faces major challenges in the wake of global industrial transformation. Added to this are geopolitical shifts, structural change in the automotive industry, growing demands for sustainability and CO₂ reduction, as well as high energy prices. This presents companies with challenges on an unprecedented scale. What is needed are intelligent processes, efficient technologies and partners who actively support the transformation process.
, the JOEST Group based in Dülmen, has been at home in this industrial sector for 105 years. With vibration-based conveying and processing technology, cooling and desanding systems, sand regeneration, batching technology and complete moulding and feeding systems, this owner-managed family business has established itself as a leading solutions provider for foundries. Over 1,100 employees – around 450 of whom are based at the headquarters in Dülmen – develop bespoke systems worldwide that go far beyond standard solutions.
We speak to one of the managing partners, Dr Marcus Wirtz, about the specific challenges facing the foundry industry, the expectations of international customers and how JOEST is using its technical expertise and global presence to prepare the industry 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 still to your company today?
Dr Marcus Wirtz (JOEST Group): We are very proud of our history – but the last 25 years, which have been characterised by significant further development and international expansion, are crucial. However, particularly in times of economic and geopolitical challenges, we are looking ahead: to new technologies, digitalisation, software solutions and efficient integrated systems for our customers.
FP: You have twelve subsidiaries worldwide. What role does ‘German engineering’ still play in this context?
Dr Marcus Wirtz: A very significant one. We consciously uphold the principle of ‘German engineering’, even though our subsidiaries operate independently. Our largest subsidiary is based in Australia – there, we focus exclusively on ‘Mining & Minerals’. In the USA, one of our largest growth markets, I myself was managing director for many years. Following a phase of offshoring, reshoring began there around ten years ago, which has meant that foundry technology has regained importance. Many foundries are old, and modernising them with state-of-the-art technology offers enormous potential.
FP: Despite globalisation, how important are our regional roots in Dülmen?
Dr Marcus Wirtz: Very important. We have an excellent infrastructure here, with a high degree of vertical integration, an attractive living environment, proximity to universities and a strong apprenticeship programme covering seven vocational profiles. Between 30 and 40 apprentices are an integral part of our site – we take on many of them later and offer a dual or part-time degree programme. This is a central part of our corporate culture.
FP: How do the markets in Europe, the USA and Asia differ?
Dr Marcus Wirtz: In Europe, energy efficiency is the key issue – new products, fewer internal combustion engines, and greater automation and digitalisation. In the USA, the traditional automotive sector continues to play a significant role, including internal combustion engines. Mexico is experiencing strong growth, with many American and Japanese companies investing there. Asia has always had very high standards in terms of quality and responsiveness – this is where we excel, thanks to our own on-site engineering and service teams.
FP: JOEST is regarded as a technology leader. What are your unique technical selling points?
Dr Marcus Wirtz: Many machines in common use today were originally developed at JOEST. Our aim is technological leadership. We offer individual machines and complete solutions – from 3D planning and modelling right through to bespoke systems with automation and service.
Our core competence remains vibration technology, but we have deliberately expanded through acquisitions – for example, with Dieterle’s lifting and tilting technology or Dr Gössling’s magnetic and hinged belt conveyors, which are now part of the JOEST Group. This enables us, for example, to implement complete furnace charging systems and casting plants, as well as to provide parts tracking with RFD chips, automation and safety solutions.
FP: To what extent do digitalisation and artificial intelligence shape your work?
Dr Marcus Wirtz: To a very large extent. We develop our drive technology in-house and are increasingly equipping it with intelligence – for Predictive and Preventive Maintenance. AI serves as a tool to transform the wealth of measurement data into customer benefits and, for example, to complement the expertise of our technicians and engineers. The knowledge remains within the company, but digital systems enable it to be utilised even more quickly and precisely.
FP: How do you deal with global challenges – transformation, geopolitical tensions, new markets?
Dr Marcus Wirtz: We focus on pooling expertise and are firmly committed to Germany as a business location. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we invested heavily in our main site in Dülmen, for example in a stainless steel production facility that is probably unique in Europe. We now produce almost CO₂-neutrally – thanks to solar power and geothermal energy.
Our philosophy: when it comes to quality, we keep everything in-house. At the same time, we are establishing centres of excellence worldwide – in the USA, Asia, India and South America – to remain close to our customers. India is a growing and highly interesting market, where we have our own subsidiary that successfully manufactures for the local market – particularly for foundries. Quality requirements vary, but the market is developing dynamically. India is certainly set to 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 become much more dynamic and unpredictable over the next 10 to 20 years. This is a challenge – but also an opportunity. We have a strong, cross-generational leadership team and are excellently positioned both technologically and digitally.
Our vision: JOEST remains a mechanical engineering company, but is becoming even smarter. We are integrating more digital solutions, automation and software into our plants and individual machines – whilst remaining flexible and customer-focused across 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 well-positioned to be flexible. A complete relocation of production would be risky, as we manufacture over 180 product types, most of which are customised. Quality and technical safety are paramount. Free trade in the traditional sense is unlikely to return. The US is committed to national priorities for the long term
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 work, recycling, mining – but we must also promote this more confidently to the outside world.
Germany needs to regain momentum, a spirit of innovation, and the will and courage to get things done. If we rest on our past laurels, we will lose out. Entrepreneurship means risk – and responsibility.
FP: Dr Marcus Wirtz, thank you very much for your clear perspective, your global vision and your commitment to Germany as a business location. With digitalisation, sustainable production and a self-assured mechanical engineering sector, the JOEST Group will continue to set international standards in the future.
About the JOEST Group:
With 12 subsidiaries across four continents under the management of Alexander Moormann and Dr Marcus Wirtz, the ‘JOEST Group’ is globally connected whilst remaining close to its customers. Since 2001, the group’s international presence has been systematically expanded – from Australia through North and South America to Asia and Africa. With GOESSLING (since 2019) and MOGENSEN (since 2024), the portfolio has been expanded to include specialised solutions in conveying and screening technology. In foundry technology, JOEST has always played a leading global role – with many new developments – and has evolved from a supplier of individual machines to a provider of comprehensive solutions.
Foundry-Planet interview with Dr Marcus Wirtz, Managing Partner of the JOEST Group
Conducted by Thomas Fritsch, Editor-in-Chief of Foundry-Planet