As Reinhold Würth approaches his 90th birthday on April 20, 2025, he reflects on a remarkable life and career that transformed a modest family business into a global powerhouse. Known as the "Schraubenkönig" or "Screw King," Würth has built the Würth Group into a market leader in fastening and assembly technology, boasting a turnover of over 20 billion euros in 2023 and employing more than 88,500 people worldwide.
Würth took over his father's screw business at the tender age of 19 in 1954, following the sudden death of his father. "I dived in and quickly realized it was possible," he recalls in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). Despite his immense success, Würth expresses a strong aversion to his nickname, stating, "It's a confusion; a screw and a king have no connection. I don't feel that way either."
His journey began much earlier, at just 10 years old, when he spent his after-school hours packing screws instead of playing with friends. By 14, he had begun an apprenticeship in the family business, a decision made without consultation. "I wasn't even asked," he says, reflecting on the strict upbringing that shaped his work ethic.
Würth's leadership style is characterized by a straightforward approach, emphasizing gratitude and respect for performance. He believes in rewarding top sellers with trips while being critical of those he deems "slackers." "Tolerating them is a management failure; it can throw entire companies off balance," he explains. He inherited key principles from his father, including "Growth without profit is deadly" and "Quality beats price." These tenets have guided his business philosophy throughout his career.
Despite his achievements, Würth has faced challenges, including a tax evasion investigation in 2008, which resulted in a penalty of 3.5 million euros. He expressed his frustration over the situation, stating that he had never enriched himself and always paid his dues. At one point, he even considered relocating the business abroad but was dissuaded by his wife, who insisted on staying in Germany.
As he nears his 90th birthday, Würth's concerns extend beyond his business. He has publicly warned against the rise of the right-wing populist party, the AfD, describing their ascent as incomprehensible. "For many people, Hitler is as far away as Napoleon or Charlemagne. They don't understand the danger we are heading towards," he cautioned, comparing the current political climate to the pre-war years of 1930 to 1933.
Würth has also been critical of former Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom he believes contributed to the AfD's rise by shifting her policies. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the CDU under Friedrich Merz, stating, "The economic turnaround will succeed if Merz is allowed to do it and the SPD does not block him."
His views extend to international politics as well. He has harsh words for the Trump administration, describing it as "terrible" and expressing hope that American democracy can withstand the challenges posed by Trump. "I hope that the American democracy is strong enough to survive Trump," he said.
Würth's concerns about global stability are palpable. He has voiced worries about the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the potential for it to escalate into a World War III scenario. "World history unfortunately shows that there is no way without wars; they always come back," he lamented during a discussion about the current geopolitical landscape.
Despite his worries, Würth takes pride in the legacy he is leaving behind. He has handed over the reins of the Würth Group to his grandchildren, who he advises to be cautious and diversify risks. "I'm not completely gone; I still keep an eye on things," he reassured, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the company he built.
As he prepares to celebrate his milestone birthday, Würth reflects on his life with a mix of satisfaction and gratitude. He acknowledges the sacrifices he made for his company, claiming, "I have sacrificed my life for this company," and emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success.
In a nod to his enduring passion for communication, Würth has dictated over 194,000 letters throughout his career, a practice he continues to this day. "I count them only since 20 years ago; the current one is number 194,652," he notes, highlighting his commitment to maintaining personal connections with employees and stakeholders alike.
As Würth steps into his 90s, he remains a formidable figure in the business world, a testament to the power of perseverance and vision in the face of adversity. His journey from a small family operation to a global leader serves as an inspiring narrative of ambition and resilience.
