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Innovation, partnership and responsibility as a shared foundation

To kick off the event, Alexandros Mikros, Managing Director of Sales at Würth Industrie Service, provided insights into current developments within the Würth Group and at Würth Industrie Service. The focus was on the business model of the C-parts partner in industry, as well as the role of innovation, partnership and responsibility in ensuring the sustainable success of the company. He highlighted how Würth Industrie Service integrates its services in the areas of Direct, Indirect and Connected Logistics: From the supply of production materials, through consumables and operating resources, to digital and connected solutions across the entire supply chain. A case study from the VMI Group, told from the customer’s perspective, demonstrated how partnership makes a difference in day-to-day operations. Niels Brehler, Global Sourcing Buyer at the VMI Group, explained the collaboration across a wide range of areas and emphasised that reliable processes, transparency and open cooperation are crucial prerequisites for jointly creating tangible added value in procurement, production and supply.

Drivers for Artificial Intelligence, Transformation and Markets

With Lisa Reehten, Commercial Director at Resourcly GmbH, the Summit turned its attention to the potential of artificial intelligence. Under the title “You’re looking for what you already have!”, she explained how companies can make better use of existing resources and thus strengthen their supply chain by intelligently linking component, inventory and document data. Melanie Bleicher, Head of the VAUDE Academy at VAUDE Sport GmbH & Co. KG, then demonstrated how new approaches, innovation and collaboration can support the sustainable transformation of businesses. Drawing on more than 20 years’ experience in the textile industry, she highlighted how economic success, responsibility and long-term sustainability can be brought together. From a procurement perspective, Mauricio Morales, Vice President of Purchasing at Würth Industrie Service, focused on the resilient supply chain of the future. In his view, automation, the intelligent use of data and transparency throughout the processes are key building blocks for making supply chains resilient and capable of responding effectively. To conclude, Beatrix Keim, Director of the Centre for Automotive Research (CAR) and founder of The BC Consult, provided an overview of developments in the international automotive markets. Her presentation, ‘The Triad of Automotive Markets: Politics – Regionalisation – Customers’, highlighted the extent to which geopolitical conditions, regional value creation and changing customer expectations are shaping the industry.

Experience the supply chain in a practical setting at the Würth Industrial Park

On the second day of the event, participants were taken to the Würth Industrial Park. With the ‘Live Experience’, Würth Industrie Service deliberately opted for an open format: rather than being assigned to fixed groups, guests were able to explore the topics at their own pace. In the ‘Direct’, ‘Indirect’ and ‘Connected Logistics’ experience zones, product, system and digital solutions for production and operational resource supply were presented. The Open Stage offered additional short presentations featuring a wide variety of specialist talks. Open logistics tours of one of Europe’s most modern logistics centres for industrial supply provided insights into processes and technologies. Through direct discussions with the specialists in charge, it became clear how Würth Industrie Service integrates its services across the industrial supply chain: From direct and indirect materials, through automated supply systems, to digital and connected applications. The focus was always on the shared goal of making processes more efficient, transparent and future-proof for customers.

With the European Supply Chain Summit 2026, Würth Industrie Service has once again demonstrated that future-proof supply chains do not emerge in isolation. They are the result of reliable partnerships, intelligently networked solutions and the courage to actively shape change. The exchange between industry and business, the practical insights and the concrete solutions made one thing clear: tomorrow’s supply chain is being developed together today.

After two days filled with inspiration, discussions, and new perspectives, Würth Industrie Service draws a positive conclusion. At the same time, the focus is already on the future: The next edition of the European Supply Chain Summit is scheduled for 2027. Then, the dialogue on innovation, partnership, and responsibility will continue — with the shared goal of actively shaping the future of industrial supply.