The Münster-based GWS corporate group, one of the leading providers of ERP solutions for trade in Germany, is celebrating its 25th anniversary on July 1, 2017. The successful business, which started out as a 32-person IT service provider for cooperative companies, is now regarded as one of the leading and fastest-growing IT service providers for trading companies throughout Germany. In 2016, the company recorded a turnover of around €51 million and employed more than 400 members of staff at offices in Münster, Munich, Nuremberg, Leonberg, Isernhagen and Hamburg.
When GWS was founded in 1992, the company could only have dreamed of its current success, size and growing presence on the international market. Initially targeted at Raiffeisen commodity cooperatives, cooperative societies such as BÄKO [Germany’s leading specialized wholesaler for bakers and confectioners] or butchers’ cooperatives, business operations were focused entirely on developing, networking and supporting their IT systems.
This changed when the company decided to extend its existing expertise to include the general technical wholesale trade, the construction industry wholesale and retail businesses, and the steel and plumbing wholesale trade. 2006 marked the start of an impressive success story, with the company receiving the highest Microsoft partner status of “Gold Certified Partner” for the first time ever and taking over NEUTRASOFT IT für den Handel GmbH & Co. KG based in Greven in the same year. 2009, meanwhile, saw the integration of SANGROSS GmbH & Co. KG, the wholesale division of SHD Großhandel- und Logistiksoftware GmbH & Co. KG based in Leonberg. In 2015, GWS took over another software company, DIACOM Systemhaus GmbH based in Isernhagen near Hanover, which allowed the group to enhance its expertise, particularly in the field of business intelligence solutions.
A firm fixture of the IT landscape
It is impossible to imagine the European IT landscape today without GWS. Not only does the business specialize in innovative ERP systems based on Microsoft Dynamics, Internet industry portals, and shops (for the technical trade, construction materials trade, plumbing and HVACR, the steel trade, wholesalers and retailers, and the agricultural trade); it also devotes its energies to the fields of purchasing cooperations, cooperative groups and solutions for the sports and events sector. The range of services on offer is rounded off by comprehensive consulting services and training. AGRAVIS Raiffeisen AG, BÄKO’s northern and southern Germany head offices, K+K Klaas & Kock B.V. & Co KG, Soennecken eG, Fritz Frieling KG, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Bundesliga soccer teams such as Schalke 04 are just some of GWS’ over 1,200 clients.
High level of staff retention
GWS attaches a great deal of importance to the satisfaction and recognition of its employees in its corporate philosophy. The corporate group has a very personal work culture, flat hierarchies and short decision-making channels, as well as a strong sense of teamwork. The company’s goal is to take on the most talented people by offering competitive compensation models and social benefits, to open up new opportunities for them and to further their progress with education and further training. The regular awards that the company receives, including the Best Employer rating in 2015 and 2016 as part of Germany’s national “Great Place to Work” initiative, reflects the company’s commitment in this area.
Modern workplaces
The crucial importance of both employee satisfaction and ultra-modern and efficient structures is also evident from the company’s continually improved working conditions. In fall 2016, only two years after GWS purchased a new building in Münster’s Loddenheide industrial estate, the foundations for a new extension were laid. The new office wing, which is attached to the existing four-story building and will be ready for occupation in fall 2017, will have new offices, communication zones and event rooms, as well as fitness facilities for employees. The latest insights with regard to workplace design, ergonomics and office design were taken into account in the planning process. So, for example, smart workplaces are not only equipped with state-of-the-art IT infrastructure, but they also include creative and communication zones too.
The company has been managed by Udo Lorenz and Georg Mersmann since 2016. They both took over the helm from GWS founding director Helmut Benefader.
