Winkler und Dünnebier

What Winkler und Dünnebier does

Winkler und Dünnebier Süßwarenmaschinen GmbH (WDS) is a privately held, family-owned German manufacturer of moulding, depositing, and casting equipment for the global confectionery industry, headquartered in Rengsdorf, Germany, with 251–500 employees and a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary (WDS America Inc.). Founded in 1880 by Oswald Runkel and now in its third generation of family ownership under sole Managing Director Jessica Runkel (since October 2025), the company designs and builds capital equipment that produces the full spectrum of moulded confectionery — chocolate, gum and jelly, hard candy, fondant and toffee, and OTC sweets — across depositing temperatures from 20°C to over 150°C and production capacities from 200 kg/h to 7,000 kg/h.

The product portfolio centers on modular chocolate lines (ConfecECO entry-level, ConfecPRO mid-to-high volume, ConfecVARIO flexible variable system with chainless drives, Rotationsanlage Typ 172, Eintafelanlage Typ 273, Kaltstempeltechnologie cold stamping, Stahlbandanlage steel belt), gum and jelly Mogul plants (MogulPRO with chainless pusher, Mogulanlage Typ 462 variants), hard candy and fondant/toffee depositor systems, and a Technikum laboratory for process development. Supporting the installed base, WDS operates WDS-LifeCycleCare (24/7 remote service, spare-parts webshop, retrofit conversions of 2 to 104 servo axes, plant inspection rounds) and co-founded the cross-manufacturer SweetConnect digital platform (2019) alongside Sollich, Theegarten-Pactec, Chocotech, and more recently Aasted (2024). A new AI-enabled offering, the SmartMould co-developed with CHoNova AG and available from May 2026, layers multi-sensor data and machine learning onto chocolate and Mogul plants for real-time process intelligence and closed-loop control.

WDS generates revenue through one-time capital-equipment sales, recurring spare-parts and after-sales service subscriptions, retrofit and modernization projects, digital services under LifeCycleCare, and refurbished used-equipment sales, with pricing negotiated directly with enterprise customers. The firm reaches global confectionery producers via direct sales from Rengsdorf, WDS America Inc., and a worldwide sales network spanning Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Australia, supplemented by major trade-show presence at Interpack (650 m² stand in 2026) and ProSweets Cologne.

Name

Winkler und Dünnebier

Legal name

Winkler und Dünnebier Süßwarenmaschinen GmbH

Website

https://w-u-d.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1880

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Winkler und Dünnebier (WDS) is a family-owned German manufacturer of moulding and depositing equipment for chocolate, gum and jelly, hard candy, fondant, toffee, and OTC confectionery producers worldwide, serving global B2B customers via direct sales and a worldwide service network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Confectionery Machinery Manufacturing

NAICS

Packaging Machinery Manufacturing (333993)

SIC

Sugar & Confectionery Products (2060)

akta.pro primary industry

Blister, Skin & Thermoform Packaging Machines (IMAHAOAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS/HFFS) Machines (IMAHAOAA)

Keywords

• Confectionery machinery
• Chocolate moulding equipment
• Depositing technology
• Mogul plants
• Candy production lines

Headquarters

HQ city

Rengsdorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Capital Equipment Sales: Sale of confectionery production machines including ConfecVARIO, ConfecPRO, ConfecECO, MogulPRO, rotation systems, steel belt plants, and associated equipment. Machines cover production capacities from 200 kg/h to 7000 kg/h.
2. Spare Parts and Consumables: Supply of replacement parts, wear parts, and accessories for WDS production plants through web shop and direct ordering.
3. After-Sales Service and Maintenance: Comprehensive service offerings including remote diagnostics, on-site maintenance, plant inspections (Rundreisen), pump system repairs, and ongoing technical support under the LifeCycleCare concept.
4. Retrofit and Modernization: Modernization of older plants through replacement of outdated components with new technologies, including conversion from hydraulics to servo technology, control system upgrades, and extended equipment lifespan programs.
5. Digital Services: Digital services within LifeCycleCare framework including Performance Inspector reports, automated plant performance analysis, and remote access capabilities.
6. Used Equipment: Sale of refurbished and used confectionery machines under the used machines category.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

WDS designs, manufactures, and services capital equipment for the moulding and depositing of confectionery products, with machines covering chocolate, gum and jelly, hard candy, fondant, toffee, and OTC sweets. Production capacities range from 200 kg/h (ConfecECO entry-level line) to 7000 kg/h (ConfecPRO high-volume plant), with depositing temperatures spanning 20°C to over 150°C. The offering spans new machine sales, the WDS-LifeCycleCare after-sales service program, retrofit and modernization services, used equipment resale, and the SweetConnect and SmartMould digital platforms.

Product overview

Winkler und Dünnebier Süßwarenmaschinen (WDS) offers a comprehensive portfolio of confectionery production machines covering the entire spectrum of moulded sweets with casting temperatures ranging from 20°C to over 150°C. The product range includes chocolate production lines (ConfecVARIO, ConfecPRO, ConfecECO, Rotationsanlage Typ 172, Eintafelanlage Typ 273, Kaltstempeltechnologie, Gießstationen, Stahlbandanlage Typ 180), gum and jelly mogul plants (MogulPRO Typ 760, Mogulanlage Typ 462 with variants, Puderkonditionierung), hard candy production (Gießanlage Hartbonbon Typ 163), and fondant/toffee systems (Gießanlage Typ 165, Geleeartikel). The ConfecVARIO/CONFECPRO/CONFECECO series represents a modular product line ranging from entry-level to high-capacity solutions. WDS also provides OTC confectionery products (sweetOTC), used machines, and comprehensive lifecycle services including WDS-LifeCycleCare (24/7 service, spare parts webshop, retrofit), the SweetConnect cross-manufacturer digital platform for production monitoring, and SmartMould intelligent measuring system. The company operates a Technikum technology center for product development and process optimization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WDS-LifeCycleCare: After-sales service and lifecycle management program for confectionery machines, including 24/7 remote support, spare parts, retrofit, and maintenance services.
• SweetConnect
• SmartMould
• ConfecECO
• ConfecPRO
• ConfecVARIO
• MogulPRO
• Mogulanlage Typ 462

Products and services

• ConfecVARIO Novel machine concept enabling variable and versatile production of confectionery products with efficient and highly economical operation; the chainless flexible drive system supports point and ribbon deposit applications for solid or filled products including large ingredients.
• ConfecPRO Forming machine designed for medium to high production capacities of filled and solid chocolates, featuring modular design with decentralized electrical control system for simple, growth-oriented extension with minimal effort.
• ConfecECO Entry-level line developed specifically for emerging businesses and manufactories seeking to increase productivity while relying on known WDS quality, at lower production capacities starting around 200 kg/h.
• Rotationsanlage Typ 172 Rotational plant designed for optimal production of hollow chocolate products.
• Eintafelanlage Typ 273 Forming plant for massive chocolate products with or without additives and filled products using One-Shot (Impfguss) and Triple-Shot technology.
• Kaltstempeltechnologie (Cold Stamping Technology) Cold stamping technology for producing uniform and highly precise shell thicknesses for high-quality filled products.
• Stahlbandanlage Typ 180 (Steel Belt Plant) Chocolate product poured onto cooled steel belt via depositor station and transported through a cooling tunnel.
• MogulPRO Typ 760 Mogul plant featuring a chainless pusher system with maintenance-friendly construction and optimized for tray handling, product cleaning and depositing; provides the first real alternative to industry-standard chain circulation in the mogul sector.
• Mogulanlage Typ 462 WDS Mogul plant for producing all starch-moulded articles including gummy and jelly products based on pectin, gum arabic, gelatine, agar-agar, and carrageenan.
• Mogulanlage mit integriertem Kühltunnel Mogul plants with integrated cooling tunnel for reducing or eliminating typical product drying time.
• Puderkonditionierung Specially developed system for optimal and uniform starch powder conditioning.
• Gießanlage Hartbonbon Typ 163 Compact, modular depositor plant for producing hard candies.
• Gießanlage Typ 165 (Fondant & Toffee) Compact, modular depositor plant for producing fondant, toffee, pectin, and carrageenan products.
• sweetOTC OTC (over-the-counter) confectionery sweets with health-promoting and biologically effective properties through the addition of various ingredients, produced on starchless plants meeting high hygienic standards.
• WDS-LifeCycleCare Comprehensive lifecycle service program including 24/7 remote support, spare parts supply via web shop, pump system repair, retrofit services, and round trips for regular plant inspections.
• SmartMould Intelligent measuring mould system that records and monitors mechanical influences on polycarbonate moulds, measuring process data and overall mechanical condition for anomaly detection and preventive maintenance.
• SweetConnect Cross-manufacturer digital platform for centralized monitoring and optimization of confectionery production, with WDS as a founding member alongside Sollich KG, Theegarten-Pactec, Chocotech, and Aasted.
• Gebrauchte Maschinen (Used Machines) Refurbished and used confectionery machines maintaining WDS quality standards, offered as a cost-effective acquisition option.
• Retrofit service Modernization service replacing outdated components with new technologies including hydraulic-to-servo conversion and replacement of discontinued servo components to extend machine life and improve efficiency.
• Technikum (Technology Center) Technology center specialized in developing new and optimizing existing casting processes and process engineering in confectionery production, with laboratory casting machines for customer trials.
• Post-treatment drum for jelly products (Nachbehandlungstrommel) Compact laboratory format post-treatment drum up to 100 kg/h with hygienic design and CIP capability, presented at Interpack 2026.

Quantifiable outcome

• Plants from the 1950s still operating today
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• CHoNova AGcoreTechnology or Integration · 22 April 2026Swiss data technology company collaborating with WDS to develop the All-in-One SmartMould, combining WDS machinery expertise with CHoNova's product structuring technology. The SmartMould integrates multisensor hardware (ultrasonic, temperature, humidity, vibration, magnetic field, acceleration sensors) with CHoNova's machine learning software platform. Available from May 1, 2026. CEO Frederique Delahaye emphasized the partnership advances real-time intelligence in chocolate production.
• AastedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2024Aasted joined SweetConnect as a new shareholder in October 2024, representing a significant expansion of the multi-vendor initiative. WDS Managing Director Jessica Runkel welcomed this as confirmation that the SweetConnect concept is working.
• SweetConnectcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2019SweetConnect was founded in 2019 as a strategic partnership between German confectionery machine manufacturers to drive industry digitalization. WDS is a founding member. The platform is designed to protect partner intellectual property while enabling cross-manufacturer data exchange. Partners include Sollich KG, Theegarten-Pactec GmbH & Co. KG, Chocotech GmbH, and Aasted (joined 2024).
• Sollich KGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman confectionery equipment manufacturer and founding member of SweetConnect initiative.
• Theegarten-Pactec GmbH & Co. KGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman confectionery machinery company and founding member of SweetConnect initiative.
• Chocotech GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman confectionery technology company and founding member of SweetConnect initiative.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Syntegon Technology: Syntegon (formerly Bosch Packaging Technology) is a German processing and packaging machinery provider serving food, pharma, and confectionery. It addresses chocolate and candy producers with packaging and processing equipment that overlaps with parts of WDS's portfolio.
• Bühler Group: Bühler is a Swiss global technology group serving food and mobility, with substantial chocolate and confectionery equipment offerings including moulding, enrobing, and complete production lines. It is a much larger broad incumbent competing with WDS at the high-capacity, full-line end of the confectionery market.
• Baker Perkins: Baker Perkins is a UK-based manufacturer of food processing equipment including confectionery and bakery production lines. It serves the same chocolate, candy, and biscuit manufacturers that WDS targets, with comparable depositing and forming machinery for industrial bakeries and confectioneries.

Direct peers

• Royal Duyvis Wiener: Royal Duyvis Wiener is a Dutch supplier of cocoa and chocolate processing equipment including roasting, pressing, refining, and moulding. It overlaps with WDS in chocolate production equipment sold to industrial confectionery manufacturers globally.
• Marchant Schmidt: Marchant Schmidt is a US-based manufacturer of depositing and process equipment for the confectionery and dairy industries, serving chocolate, gummy, and yogurt producers. Its forming and depositing technology overlaps with WDS's ConfecVARIO and ConfecPRO lines in the American market.
• Theegarten-Pactec GmbH & Co. KG: Theegarten-Pactec is a German manufacturer of packaging and processing machinery for the confectionery industry, covering chocolate, chewing gum, and hard candy. As another SweetConnect founding member, it overlaps directly with WDS in moulding and depositing equipment for the same customer base.
• Cavendish & Harvey Confectionery Machines / Carle & Montanari: Carle & Montanari (now part of the Ovum Group) is an Italian heritage manufacturer of chocolate processing equipment, including moulding plants and tempering machines. It is a long-standing direct competitor to WDS in chocolate moulding and complete chocolate production systems.
• Sollich KG: Sollich KG is a German confectionery machinery manufacturer and co-founding member of SweetConnect alongside WDS. It produces enrobing, tempering, and cooling equipment for chocolate, directly competing with WDS in moulding and depositing lines sold to global confectionery producers.
• Aasted A/S: Aasted is a Danish manufacturer of chocolate processing equipment including moulding, cooling tunnels, and complete chocolate plants. It joined the SweetConnect consortium as a shareholder in October 2024, making it the closest non-German counterpart and direct competitor in confectionery moulding technology.
• Chocotech GmbH: Chocotech is a German confectionery technology company focused on cooking, aeration, and depositing systems for chocolate, fondant, and toffee. It is a SweetConnect founding member and competes with WDS in depositor-based confectionery production lines globally.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Winkler und Dünnebier