Schaefer Group
A German family-controlled industrial group whose businesses span intralogistics, engineered metal and plastic products, and industrial mail-order distribution.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Schaefer Group is a German family-controlled holding group that developed from Fritz Schaefer GmbH, a small metalworking business founded by Fritz Schaefer in 1937. The group began in Salchendorf, in the Neunkirchen area of North Rhine-Westphalia, producing sheet-metal goods. Its early transition from individual metal products to serially manufactured transport boxes and containers created the foundation for a broader industrial organization. The group’s best-known business is SSI Schaefer, which supplies modular storage equipment, warehouse systems, material-flow technology, software, and automated intralogistics solutions. The company’s origins within the group date to the development of fixed storage boxes in 1953 and the start of shelving production in 1958. Over time, SSI Schaefer expanded beyond physical storage products through acquisitions and international operations. The purchase of SSI Schaefer Noell in 2000 added systems expertise in intralogistics; the acquisition of SSI Schaefer Peem in 2001 strengthened order-picking technology; and the takeover of Salomon Automation in 2008 added logistics software capabilities. These moves helped transform the business from a manufacturer of containers and shelving into a provider of integrated warehouse and distribution systems. The group also includes Schaefer Werke, whose activities have included workbenches, workplace equipment, cabinets, server and network racks, sheet-steel products, containers, beverage and chemical packaging, and other engineered products. Its history includes a move into heating equipment and radiators after the acquisition and redevelopment of the former Pfannenberger Einigkeit mine site in 1962. The group later exited its heating division in 2005, selling it to the Turkish company Demir Döküm. Other changes included the development of polyurethane-covered kegs and perforated plates, as well as the establishment of production operations in the Czech Republic. A third major group business is Schaefer Shop, founded in Betzdorf in 1971 by Hans and Gerhard Schaefer. It sells workplace, office, industrial, clothing, promotional, and related supplies through catalogues and online channels. The business has operated through a network of subsidiaries in multiple countries while retaining its headquarters in Betzdorf. The group has also been associated with EMW Eisen- und Metallhandel, a steel and metal distribution business with extensive storage and processing capacity. Across its businesses, the group has operated numerous production facilities on three continents and maintained international subsidiaries. Reference material describes the wider organization as employing more than 8,000 people, although no current consolidated workforce figure is supplied here. Schaefer Group remains distinct from the more narrowly focused SSI Schaefer operating company. The group structure combines industrial manufacturing, warehouse automation and software, metal distribution, and business-to-business commerce under family ownership. Its strategic development has therefore been characterized by diversification, vertical expansion from components to systems, internationalization, and selective divestment of activities that no longer fit its portfolio.
History
The origins of Schaefer Group lie in the small metalworking enterprise established by Fritz Schaefer in 1937 in Salchendorf, in the Neunkirchen area of North Rhine-Westphalia. The business initially made assorted sheet-metal goods. It later shifted toward serial production of transport boxes and containers, creating enough demand to require a larger facility in Neunkirchen-Salchendorf in 1948. After Fritz Schaefer’s death, his four sons—Hans, Gerhard, Manfred, and Theo—took control. The company produced containers for bottled milk before developing fixed storage boxes in 1953. Those boxes, first made from sheet steel and later also offered in plastic, became the starting point for the SSI Schaefer business. Production of shelving began in 1958, extending the company from containers into organized storage equipment and laying the groundwork for its later warehouse-systems activities. A second branch of the family business developed after the Pfannenberger Einigkeit mine closed in April 1962. Theo and Manfred Schaefer acquired the site and established Pfannenberg GmbH, initially producing workbenches. The enterprise was subsequently renamed Schäfer Werke KG and expanded into radiators and boilers. During the early 1970s, a Betzdorf facility known as Schaefer Ausstattungssysteme developed cabinets, workbenches, and other workplace equipment. That product area later broadened to include server cabinets and network racks. In 1971, Hans and Gerhard Schaefer founded Schaefer Shop in Betzdorf. It became the group’s mail-order and online sales operation, distributing workplace and industrial equipment through a main business catalogue and additional catalogues for promotional goods, clothing, and decorations. The business subsequently developed an international subsidiary network while keeping its headquarters in Betzdorf. Schaefer Werke diversified further during the 1970s and 1980s. Following an industrial crisis in 1978, it developed a polyurethane-covered keg, and perforated plates were added to the range. Heating products experienced strong demand in eastern Germany after reunification, particularly in 1994. The group also expanded geographically: a production site was established in Ledeč nad Sázavou in the Czech Republic in 1995 for beverage and chemical containers, while another facility was established in Dresden in the same year and rebuilt in 2002. The group’s intralogistics activities became more integrated through acquisitions. SSI Schaefer acquired SSI Schaefer Noell in Giebelstadt in 2000, SSI Schaefer Peem in Graz in 2001, and Salomon Automation near Graz in 2008. Together, these transactions added system integration, order-picking technology, and logistics software to the company’s established container, shelving, and warehouse-equipment base. This helped SSI Schaefer move toward complete automated warehouse and material-flow solutions rather than remaining solely a component manufacturer. The group also reshaped its portfolio. In 2005, it sold the entire heating division to Demir Döküm of Turkey. The Dresden facility was later taken over by its former manager Christian Michel in 2009 and renamed Cooolcase GmbH. Schaefer Werke continued with its remaining industrial operations, including activities connected with EMW Eisen- und Metallhandel, while SSI Schaefer and Schaefer Shop remained the group’s most visible international businesses. Leadership changes at SSI Schaefer included the appointment of Steffen Bersch in 2020. He entered during a transition period and succeeded interim chief executive Helmut Limberg in April of that year. Bersch later left, and Peter Edelmann became chief executive in 2023. The wider group remains family controlled and internationally organized, with production facilities on three continents and subsidiaries serving multiple markets. Its businesses collectively cover intralogistics, warehouse automation, logistics software, engineered metal and plastic products, steel distribution, workplace equipment, and industrial e-commerce.
- 2023
Peter Edelmann becomes SSI Schaefer chief executive
[1]Peter Edelmann becomes chief executive after Steffen Bersch leaves the company.
- 2020
Steffen Bersch takes over as SSI Schaefer chief executive
[1]Bersch joins during a transition period and succeeds interim chief executive Helmut Limberg in April.
- 2008
Salomon Automation is acquired
[1]SSI Schaefer takes over Salomon Automation, adding logistics software to its systems portfolio.
- 2005
Heating division is divested
[1]Schaefer Group sells its heating division to Demir Döküm.
- 2001
SSI Schaefer Peem is acquired
[1]The acquisition of SSI Schaefer Peem adds order-picking technology from its Austrian operations.
- 2000
SSI Schaefer Noell is acquired
[1]SSI Schaefer acquires SSI Schaefer Noell in Giebelstadt to strengthen its intralogistics systems business.
- 1995
Czech and Dresden production expansion
[1]Schaefer operations expand with a facility in Ledeč nad Sázavou, Czech Republic, and another site in Dresden.
- 1971
Schaefer Shop is founded
[1]Hans and Gerhard Schaefer establish Schaefer Shop in Betzdorf as a catalogue-based business supplying workplace and industrial goods.
- 1962
Former mine site becomes an industrial facility
[1]Theo and Manfred Schaefer acquire the closed Pfannenberger Einigkeit mine site and establish Pfannenberg GmbH there.
- 1958
Shelving production begins
[1]The group adds shelving to its storage-product portfolio.
Products and positioning
Family-owned, internationally oriented industrial group combining warehouse automation and intralogistics with engineered metal and plastic products and business-to-business distribution.
Intralogistics and storage · 1953
SSI Schaefer warehouse systems
SSI Schaefer’s core offering evolved from fixed storage boxes and shelving into modular warehouse infrastructure. The portfolio includes storage equipment, racking, containers, material-flow systems, and integrated warehouse installations. Its systems are intended for industrial, distribution, and logistics environments where goods must be stored, moved, picked, and controlled efficiently.
Warehouse automation · 2000
SSI Schaefer automated intralogistics solutions
The automated-systems business combines storage hardware, conveyors, order-picking technology, control systems, and software-oriented integration. Acquisitions such as SSI Schaefer Noell and SSI Schaefer Peem helped broaden the company’s ability to deliver automated material-flow and warehouse solutions rather than isolated storage components.
Logistics software · 2008
SSI Schaefer logistics software
The group added logistics-software capabilities through the acquisition of Salomon Automation in 2008. The software activity supports the coordination and control of warehouse processes, complementing SSI Schaefer’s physical automation, storage, and material-handling systems.
Industrial equipment and engineered products · 1962
Schaefer Werke engineered products
Schaefer Werke has produced workbenches, workplace equipment, cabinets, server cabinets, network racks, sheet-steel products, containers, and other engineered metal and plastic goods. Its historical range also included radiators, boilers, polyurethane-covered kegs, and perforated plates, although the heating division was sold in 2005.
Business-to-business retail and mail order · 1971
Schaefer Shop catalogue and online assortment
Schaefer Shop distributes workplace and industrial equipment through catalogue and online channels. Its assortment has included office and business supplies, workplace products, clothing, promotional goods, and decorations. The operation serves business customers through an international subsidiary network.
Steel distribution and processing · 1952
EMW steel and metal products
EMW Eisen- und Metallhandel is associated with steel and metal distribution, including coil storage and processing. Reference material describes substantial storage capacity and specialized cracking systems serving industrial customers.
Brand decisions
2023
Appoint Peter Edelmann as SSI Schaefer chief executiveOtherBackground
The company required a new chief executive after Steffen Bersch left.
Action taken
Peter Edelmann became chief executive of SSI Schaefer.
Aftermath
Edelmann became the identified current chief executive in the supplied reference material.
2020
Change SSI Schaefer chief executiveOtherBackground
SSI Schaefer was operating under interim chief executive Helmut Limberg.
Action taken
Steffen Bersch was appointed incoming chief executive, with a transition beginning in March and succession to Limberg in April.
Aftermath
Bersch led the company until his departure before Peter Edelmann’s appointment in 2023.
2008
Acquire Salomon AutomationM&ABackground
SSI Schaefer was extending its physical warehouse-systems business into software and integrated process control.
Action taken
The company acquired Salomon Automation near Graz, Austria.
Aftermath
Logistics software became an additional component of the SSI Schaefer intralogistics portfolio.
2005
Exit the heating divisionStrategyBackground
Schaefer Group reviewed a diversified portfolio that included radiators and boilers.
Action taken
The group sold its entire heating division to Demir Döküm.
Aftermath
The divestment reduced the group’s exposure to heating products and left a more focused set of industrial, intralogistics, and distribution activities.
2001
Acquire SSI Schaefer PeemM&ABackground
The group aimed to add specialized order-picking technology to its warehouse portfolio.
Action taken
SSI Schaefer acquired SSI Schaefer Peem, an Austrian provider of order-picking technology.
Aftermath
The acquisition broadened the group’s warehouse-automation offering.
2000
Acquire SSI Schaefer NoellM&ABackground
SSI Schaefer sought to expand from storage products into broader intralogistics systems.
Action taken
The company acquired SSI Schaefer Noell in Giebelstadt, Germany.
Aftermath
The transaction strengthened the group’s systems-integration and intralogistics capabilities.
Recent events
- 2023
Peter Edelmann becomes chief executive of SSI Schaefer[1]
Leadership change
Peter Edelmann became chief executive after Steffen Bersch left the company.
- 2020
SSI Schaefer appoints Steffen Bersch as chief executive officer[1]
Leadership change
SSI Schaefer announced Steffen Bersch as its incoming chief executive. He was scheduled to begin a transition period in March and succeed interim chief executive Helmut Limberg in April.
- 2008
SSI Schaefer acquires Salomon Automation[1]
M&A
The acquisition of Salomon Automation expanded SSI Schaefer’s portfolio into logistics software and complemented its warehouse and material-handling systems.
- 2005
Schaefer Group sells heating division to Demir Döküm[1]
M&A
The group sold its heating division, including radiator and boiler activities, to Turkish company Demir Döküm as part of a portfolio change.
- 2001
SSI Schaefer acquires SSI Schaefer Peem[1]
M&A
SSI Schaefer acquired the Austrian order-picking technology provider SSI Schaefer Peem, strengthening its warehouse automation capabilities.
- 2000
SSI Schaefer acquires SSI Schaefer Noell[1]
M&A
SSI Schaefer acquired SSI Schaefer Noell in Giebelstadt, adding intralogistics systems expertise to its business.
Sources2 sources
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