WAGNER strengthens business in the USA

01-07-2023

• Dr. Kai Beckhaus new CEO of WAGNER Fire Safety Inc. in Chicago
• The manager with many years of experience in logistics will play a key role in driving further market penetration in the USA
• Strategic partnerships and obtaining relevant FM certifications will further improve market access

Langenhagen. WAGNER Group GmbH, one of the leading solution and system providers for fire protection, is focusing on targeted internationalization. This is a central pillar of the current corporate strategy WAGNER.2026. In addition to the Asian region, the company is also focusing on the growth market of North America and is establishing new organizational structures here. The company has been able to recruit Dr. Kai Beckhaus as Managing Director for the US subsidiary WAGNER Fire Safety Inc. based in Chicago. The manager with outstanding expertise in logistics and market experience in the USA will take up his position for the fire protection specialist on July 1, 2023.

Dr. Beckhaus has many years of experience in the logistics industry. He comes from Jungheinrich AG and was until recently President at MCJ Supply Chain Solutions LLC, a joint venture between Jungheinrich and Mitsubishi Logisnext. His responsibilities included project engineering, sales, and implementation of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). Previously, Dr. Beckhaus held various senior management positions and worked internationally in Europe, Asia and North America. Since 2018, he has been living and working in the USA.

"We are very pleased to have Dr. Beckhaus as President and CEO of WAGNER Fire Safety Inc. He has excellent market access in the USA as well as an excellent local network. This makes him the ideal choice for us as Managing Director of our American subsidiary," said Werner Wagner, Managing Director and shareholder of the WAGNER Group. "In this responsibility, Dr. Beckhaus will also drive the further expansion of our local team in order to develop new market potentials together with the team and to further strengthen our presence in the USA," Werner Wagner continued.

Dr. Beckhaus starts his new position with commitment and expectation: "Over the past 13 years, working in Europe, Asia and the USA, I have learned the importance of supply chain protection and operational resilience around the globe. When I became aware of WAGNER's innovative fire protection solutions, I was immediately impressed by the principle of fire prevention through oxygen reduction. I am now excited to take on the position as the new President & CEO of WAGNER Fire Safety Inc. in the USA. Together with our competent team, we will drive growth in this important focus market and convince many customers in relevant industries of our better solutions in fire protection."

WAGNER has already been represented in the North American market for several years and has taken important measures to drive market access forward in a targeted manner. These include preparations for obtaining important FM certifications, the further organizational development of the subsidiary, and the establishment and expansion of strategic partnerships - tasks that are now on the agenda of the new CEO.

Christoph Wesner, who most recently managed WAGNER Fire Safety Inc. from the German headquarters, will be stepping down from the management board in order to concentrate on his responsibilities as divisional manager for the Americas - and thus support his colleagues in North America - as well as the interface function with the headquarters in Langenhagen/Germany. Until further notice, he will remain Managing Director of WAGNER Fire Safety Canada Ltd.

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