WTH Annual Review 2025:
Navigating Challenging Times with Stability and Foresight
What a year – once again one of the most economically demanding of the past decade. The global economy weakened noticeably in the first half of 2025 before showing initial signs of recovery towards the end of the year. In Europe, companies continued to struggle with the aftermath of high energy prices, fluctuating demand, and geopolitical uncertainties. Despite this, WTH GmbH in Stade managed to hold its ground remarkably well – and looks back on a turbulent year with justified confidence.
Macroeconomic Background: EU in Transition, Poland on the Rise, Germany in Reorientation
In 2025, the European Union remained in an economic transition phase: moderate growth, declining inflation, but persistently high investment costs. Industrial production picked up slightly towards the end of the year, driven by the construction sector and manufacturing – two core industries in which WTH is strongly positioned.
Germany continued to face structural adjustment pressures in 2025.
The transformation of the energy supply, shortages of skilled labor, and hesitant investment dynamics placed a heavy burden on companies. Nevertheless, targeted public programs promoting climate protection, digitalization, and industrial efficiency brought renewed momentum to the markets. For WTH, this meant relatively stable demand in selected industrial sectors – above all in the electrical, automotive, and construction industries – amid continued volatile conditions.
Poland, on the other hand, proved significantly more robust. Strong domestic demand, investments in recycling and chemical projects, and high construction activity contributed to above-average growth rates.
WTH’s intensified market development efforts in Central and Eastern Europe once again paid off in 2025: sales in Poland increased significantly, and the sales team was strengthened.
Industry Focus: Plastics and Rubber Industry in Transition
The European plastics and rubber industry underwent profound structural change in 2025. New EU requirements for recycling quotas, CO₂ reporting, and product design introduced momentum across all value chains. Raw material prices remained volatile, yet demand for recycled-based materials and technologically advanced specialty compounds increased.
WTH was able to leverage its strengths here: thanks to close supplier relationships, early stockpiling, and technical expertise, the company succeeded in supplying customers reliably while also offering sustainable alternatives. Managing Director Gero Thieme emphasizes: “We are part of this transformation – not just as a supplier, but as a partner for future-proof solutions.”
Coating and Adhesive Industry: Stability Through Innovation
The coatings and adhesives sector also presented a mixed picture in 2025.
While construction and renovation activity in Western Europe weakened, demand grew in Eastern Europe and in industrial applications. The trend toward water-based, low-emission systems and specialized adhesive solutions for lightweight construction and electromobility continued.
WTH benefited from its consistent focus on environmentally friendly product lines and close cooperation with reliable brand manufacturers. The company successfully translated customer proximity and technical understanding into concrete competitive advantages.
Corporate Culture and Leadership: Closeness Creates Trust
The company philosophy – shaped by transparency, willingness to engage in dialogue, and a partnership-based approach – once again proved to be a stabilizing factor in 2025.
At a time when many companies suffered from skilled labor shortages, WTH focused on employee retention through training and open communication.
Regular discussion rounds, short decision-making paths, and a culture of mutual appreciation made it possible to react quickly to changes.
Company founder Walter Thieme summarizes it as follows: “Partnership is not an empty phrase, but something we actively practice – towards customers, suppliers, and employees alike.”
Despite a challenging environment, WTH is expected to close the 2025 financial year with solid results. Revenue increased slightly above the previous year’s level. On the earnings side, however, declining margins and persistently rising costs weigh heavily, so that profit before tax (EBITA) is likely to be around 25% lower, despite higher revenues.
“2025 was not an easy year – but a year that showed how resilient our business model is. We did not allow ourselves to be pushed around, but stayed on course – with clear values and a strong team,” Managing Director Gero Thieme says at the end of the 2025 financial year.
In an environment of global and national uncertainties, it has once again become clear that partnership-based action, customer proximity, and technical competence are the best guarantees of success. With this in mind, the course is set, and WTH enters 2026 with confidence.
