J.D. Neuhaus GmbH & Co. KG (JDN), a German engineering firm, boasts a rich history spanning over 275 years. Founded in 1745 by Johann Diederich Conrad Neuhaus, the company began by manufacturing wooden shaft winches, essential tools for carriage drivers of that era. From these humble beginnings as a small blacksmith operation, JDN has evolved into a leading manufacturer of pneumatic and hydraulic hoists and crane systems.
A significant breakthrough came in 1952 with the introduction of compressed-air hoists, enabling operations in harsh environments. Today, JDN employs 200 people, sells products in 90 countries, and maintains subsidiaries in France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and the USA. The company serves various industries, including oil and gas, mining, and chemicals, with international markets accounting for over 90% of its revenue.
Air Hoists Mini
Crane Systems
Early History and Growth
JDN's journey began within the blacksmiths' guilds of 16th-century Germany. While industrial activities were largely restricted to cities, rural blacksmiths like the Neuhaus family carved out a niche producing winches and screws—crucial tools for the growing transportation industry and local coal mines.
In 1745, Johann Diederich Conrad Neuhaus registered with the "Sprockhovel Metal Goods Factory," a cooperative guild of master blacksmiths rather than a traditional factory. This organization helped maintain quality standards and facilitated both local and international sales.
The Neuhaus family's success stemmed from two strategic advantages: their location along the major Westphalian Hellweg trade route and their practice of arranging marriages with other blacksmith families, which facilitated technical knowledge sharing and preserved craft secrets.
Generational Leadership
Founding Generation (1745-1800): Under Mr. Johann Diederich Conrad Neuhaus's leadership, the business thrived within the “Sprockhovel association”, which comprised 184 masters, 112 journeymen, and 92 apprentices. The organization enjoyed special privileges, including military service exemption.
Second Generation (1800-1831): Mr. Heinrich Wilhelm Neuhaus, the founder's eldest son, took control at age 45 in 1809. He successfully guided the company through Napoleon's era and adapted to new regulations following the 1807 Treaties of Tilsit.
Third Generation (1831-1870): Mr. Johann Diederich II (Son of Heinrich Wilhelm) modernized the company during Germany's industrial revolution, capitalizing on railway expansion by developing specialized winches for lock operations in the Ruhr region.
Fourth Generation (1870-1905): Mr. Louis Neuhaus (Son of Johann Diederich II) transformed the business by focusing on the mining industry. He built a new, larger smithy and introduced muscle-powered machines in production. His early death at 57 left behind seven children.
Interim Period (1905-1922): Mrs. Emma Neuhaus, Louis's widow, took charge and strategically married master blacksmith Wilhelm Müller in 1907 to maintain technical expertise. Her leadership ensured the business's survival until the next generation could assume control.
Fifth Generation (1922-1984): Mr. Max Neuhaus (Youngest son of Louis and Emma) assumed leadership at age 22 and guided the company through challenging times. He secured the crucial "Reichsbahn" (German National Railway) contract, revitalizing operations and expanding the workforce to 25 employees.
Sixth Generation (1952-2010): J. Diederich, Max's eldest son, introduced pressurized air-powered hoists in 1952, revolutionizing the mining industry and driving the company's expansion into new sectors. His brother Rotger handled administrative tasks until internal conflicts led to Rotger's resignation and buyout in the 1990s.
Modern Transformation (1987-Present)
In 1987, Wilfried Galladé (7th Generation), J. Diederich's nephew, joined as head of sales at age 27. After being legally adopted by J. Diederich and his wife Anke, Wilfried led a major transformation during a period when revenue had dropped 50% due to the declining German mining industry.
Under Wilfried's leadership, JDN:
Witten Model and Family Strategy at J.D. Neuhaus
J.D. Neuhaus adopted the Witten Model to develop a family strategy, focusing on succession, share transfers, and family relationships. Mr. Wilfried Neuhaus-Galladé and his wife initially discussed twelve key areas, which were then refined with their children, resulting in shared values and governance practices, such as annual family days and shareholder meetings.
Source: Henokiens Website References available with family office
Since 2015, JDN has embraced the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement, implementing it across production and digital transformation processes. A formal governance system guides succession planning and preserves the company's values while applying Kaizen principles to family governance.
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