Friedhelm Runge: His life, his organisation, his passion for sport
The year 1973 marks a milestone in the history of EMKA, which was still a small, family-run company at the time. At just 31 years of age, Mr Friedhelm Runge, a native of the German town of Wuppertal, takes over the management.
Under his leadership, the company quickly developed into a major player in the design of switch cabinets, and over the years became a global player and today the world‘s leading manufacturer of locking systems, hinges, and seals.
With ambition, passion, and the proverbial composure of a man from the Bergisch region, he set new standards in the industry.
It was clear from the outset that Mr Friedhelm Runge‘s ambitions for his company were boundless.
Visionary with a global innovative spirit
International expansion has been a hallmark of our company‘s history. Friedhelm Runge understood the importance of international markets at an early stage, and he initiated the establishment of production sites and sales offices in Europe, Asia, and America.
He always stressed the importance of working closely with local partners to effectively meet regional demands. Today, EMKA is represented in 60 countries around the world.
His innovative spirit was also reflected in the development of new products. With the introduction of modular – and therefore customisable – locking systems, he set new standards with EMKA.
This innovation offered customers the flexibility to customise their systems and thus make them more efficient.
Involvement in associations and networks
Friedhelm Runge was not only active as an entrepreneur, but also engaged in numerous business associations. His nearly twelve-year tenure on the board of the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME), including several years as Vice President, is especially noteworthy. He actively promoted the interests of SMEs in this position, significantly strengthening the association‘s voice within Germany‘s SME sector. His work in the SME included promoting apprenticeships, improving the framework conditions for SMEs, and strengthening networks between companies.
Friedhelm Runge was also a valued member of the Bundeswirtschaftssenat (the Federal Economic Senate), where he took the opportunity to share his experience and visions with other entrepreneurs, politicians, and academics. His pragmatic thinking and his ideas for promoting small and medium-sized enterprises gained great approval there.
A family man with local ties and a passion for promoting sports
Despite his international business activities, Friedhelm Runge always remained closely connected to his hometown of Wuppertal. He was an advocate of local economic development and was committed to creating jobs in the region. This was also reflected in the decision to keep EMKA‘s headquarters in Velbert and to continuously expand it together with the Wuppertal site.
In his private life, Friedhelm Runge was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife Marita, who was always a great support to him, and four children, whom he accompanied on their journey through life with great dedication and foresight. His daughter, Sarah Kristin Runge-Rehnig, is a passionate and successful dressage rider whose career he always supported with great enthusiasm and pride. His family environment in particular was a source of inspiration for Friedhelm Runge and a place where he found strength for his many and varied tasks.
Friedhelm Runge‘s life has revolved around his family, his company, and his passion for sports. He‘s been a passionate supporter of local and regional sports for years. His commitment to the Wuppertal SV (WSV) went far beyond the role of a sponsor. He was a key figure in the club, providing not only financial support but also organizational and strategic guidance. During his many years as President, WSV achieved significant sporting victories and solidified its regional standing.
Whether youth teams, popular sports, or regional tournaments, whether football, handball, or niche sports such as roller hockey: His aim was always to promote sport as an important social force and to bring people together. In particular, he always emphasised that sport can build bridges between generations and social classes.
Friedhelm Runge was also an advocate of social responsibility. Numerous donations and initiatives to support social projects in the region bear his signature. His conviction that economic success also entails obligations was a central guiding principle of his actions.
A legacy for the future
The life of Friedhelm Runge exemplifies entrepreneurial prescience, social responsibility, and visionary leadership. His contributions as a global innovation leader at EMKA, and his unwavering dedication to regional sports, will leave a lasting legacy.
Today, the EMKA company and many sports clubs stand as living witnesses to his life‘s work.
His values – quality, responsibility, and community – will continue to inspire future generations and help to carry on his legacy.
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