The Wilo-Foundation
The Dortmund-based entrepreneur and founder, Dr.-Ing. E. h. Jochen Opländer, established the Wilo Foundation in January 2011 together with his children. Originally named the Caspar Ludwig Opländer Foundation until 2016, the foundation was created to ensure the continued independence of WILO SE as a socially responsible company. It also provides financial support for the founding family and their descendants.
A Family Foundation with a Clear Mission
In its fourth generation, the company was transferred into a family foundation. Since then, the foundation has been the majority shareholder of the internationally operating pump manufacturer and pump systems specialist WILO SE, headquartered in Dortmund. In 2019, the entrepreneurial succession and the chairmanship of the foundation’s board were passed on to Oliver Hermes, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of WILO SE.
“Acting with a future-oriented mindset means taking responsibility for the common good, because companies and society are now in the same boat.”
Committed to Social Responsibility
Social engagement for the benefit of people has been an integral part of the family foundation’s mission since the Wilo Foundation’s inception in 2011. The foundation aims to provide financial support in the fields of science and research, education, arts and culture, sports, and other social causes. Geographically, the foundation focuses on the international locations of the Wilo Group.
Empowering Future Generations
As a future-oriented family foundation, the Wilo Foundation dedicates itself especially to supporting young people, guided by its funding motto: “empowering young people.” The foundation’s funding priorities include environmental and climate protection, sustainable cities and regions, and the responsible use of water resources.
All these focus areas share a commitment to core values, which reflect the life principles of the Opländer founding family and are deeply embedded in Wilo’s corporate culture.
