Over the decades, Friedhelm Runge has demonstrated entrepreneurial courage worldwide. He established subsidiaries on five continents, including in difficult or unfamiliar markets. However, Friedhelm Runge always remained a son of the city of Wuppertal and was deeply attached to his home region.

He was a passionate entrepreneur, but also a person with a wide range of non-professional interests. His love of sport shaped his life. For decades, he promoted football in the region and was committed to its development. The Wuppertaler Sport Verein was particularly close to his heart, and he was its president for many years. Friedhelm Runge was also active in trade associations. Among other things, he was a member of the board of the German Association for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (BVMW) for almost twelve years and was its vice president for several years.

His pragmatic thinking and his values – reliability, quality and responsibility – have inspired generations of employees. With straightforwardness, discipline and his unmistakable sense of humour, Mr Runge exemplified the core values of the EMKA Group well into old age.

Friedhelm Runge was a loving father and husband in his private life. With his passing, we have lost not only an extraordinary entrepreneur, but also a charismatic person who has shaped the region, the company and many fellow human beings with his personality and his life's work.

The EMKA Group is committed to continuing Mr Runge's life's work in the way he would have wanted and to living out his vision. We will always honour his memory.

Our deepest condolences go to his wife, children and all relatives in this difficult time.

Velbert, December 2024