Josef Wildgruber

Mr. Josef Wildgruber, Chief Executive Officer of BBS Automation GmbH, spoke on the topic "Digitalization of automation - a model for success".

Mr. Josef Wildgruber has over 35 years of in-depth expertise and experience in complex, automated manufacturing processes, sales and operations in the automotive, energy, consumer & electronics and life sciences segments.

After technical training as a mechanic at Siemens in Munich from 1976 to 1981, Josef Wildgruber began his professional career at Matsushita Panasonic in Pfaffenhofen in 1981, where he took on the roles of Technical Manager and Plant Manager. In these roles, he gained extensive experience in the development and manufacture of machines until 1989.

In 1989, Josef Wildgruber founded his own company, Johann Rettinger GmbH, for assembly and test automation. The company was integrated into the ATS Automation Tooling Group in 1999, where he served as Vice President and General Manager ASG Europe and managed the German ATS business for over 20 years. Josef Wildgruber's strong leadership skills in governance and new business development enabled him to develop ATS in Germany into one of the most profitable and dynamic business units within the global ATS Group.

Finally, Josef Wildgruber founded BBS Automation GmbH together with a partner in June 2013. In the position of CEO, he has continuously developed the company into a successful group ever since. In 2014, BBS acquired 4 locations of the former ixmation Group. In 2018, BBS acquired the Polish software manufacturer ANT, opening up the world of I4.0 applications. In 2019, BBS Lipany was founded in Slovakia, BBS Winding in Italy and also ReaLeaD Automation in Kunshan / China was acquired. Today, BBS Automation is headquartered in Garching near Munich and operates at 10 locations worldwide with over 1,000 employees.

Status: early 2020