SchaltschrankGESTALTER visits Blumenbecker in Beckum A network of leading industrial companies visits a switchgear production facility – with a focus on digitalization and process automation
On April 16, 2026, the SchaltschrankGESTALTER network paid a visit to Blumenbecker in Beckum. This cross-manufacturer group brings together leading companies in the field of automation technology under the patronage of Siemens, Rittal, Phoenix Contact, WAGO, and Eplan.
The full-day program focused on discussions about digitalization and process automation in control cabinet manufacturing, as well as a detailed tour of the production facilities at the Beckum headquarters. The guests gained insights into Blumenbecker’s manufacturing processes and digital solutions. The day was rounded off with presentations on the company’s development and a demonstration of automated robotic terminal wiring.
“Everyone has ideas, and we can learn from one another—sometimes all it takes is a little nudge. That’s exactly what makes a network like SchaltschrankGESTALTER so valuable,” says Thomas Hagemann, Head of the Process Automation Center at Blumenbecker Automatisierungstechnik GmbH.
Gabriele Geiger of assemdee, co-founder of SchaltschrankGESTALTER, emphasized the network’s pre-competitive nature: “Our members do not see themselves as competitors, but as industry peers who learn from one
another — with the shared goal of strengthening Germany as a hub for control cabinet manufacturing.”
Thomas Heberlein, Business Development Electrical Products in Germany at Siemens AG, highlighted the breadth of Blumenbecker’s portfolio: “Blumenbecker covers the entire value chain—that’s impressive. What particularly impressed me was that every employee I met during the tour had a story to share and was proud to be part of this journey.”
Robert Simla, Managing Director of AEM Elektrotechnik GmbH, also gave a positive assessment of his visit. He had previously visited Blumenbecker two years ago—and described the progress made since then, particularly at the EPS station for functional group formation, as remarkable. He noted that Blumenbecker has continued to evolve both technologically and organizationally and now possesses tremendous capabilities in manufacturing, structure, and processes. “The solutions to the challenges in the production process are truly impressive,” said Simla.
SchaltschrankGESTALTER sees itself as a knowledge initiative for the control and switchgear industry in Germany. The focus is on practical best practices, new technologies, and trends related to efficiency and digitalization.