Weidmuller USA’s Commitment to Sustainability Is Seen in its Product Design and Development, Education and Engagement
The emphasis on sustainability has shaped corporate practices among all industries. Weidmuller showcases their commitment to this endeavor through a comprehensive approach for sustainable product design and development.
Machine Design spoke with Weidmuller USA President and CEO Randy Sadler as the company celebrates its 50-year milestone, and in this third of a four-part part series, we learn how the German parent company’s environmental commitment extends across borders.
A significant portion of Weidmuller’s production occurs in Germany, where environmental concerns are paramount. The company utilizes only eco-friendly materials across its product lines, ensuring that all packaging for its 80,000 SKUs is made from sustainable and recyclable materials. This commitment extends beyond just packaging. Upon receiving products from Germany, Weidmuller USA reinforces its sustainability efforts by recycling packaging materials again.
Energy efficiency is another aspect of the company’s design philosophy. They incorporate low power consumption features into products and conduct regular lifecycle assessments to evaluate and minimize environmental impacts throughout the product’s lifespan. In addition, solar panels are installed on facility roofs in Germany and plans are in motion to integrate similar renewable energy sources at the Richmond, Va. location.
Recognition and Community Engagement
Weidmuller’s dedication to sustainability was recently recognized in 2024 with the CSR Award OWL, a testament to its holistic approach to social sustainability and corporate responsibility. This award is the prize for responsible corporate governance, sustainability and the outstanding social commitment of East Westphalian-Lippe companies. It is awarded every two years by the CSR Competence Center OWL of the GILDE Economic Development Detmold and the Initiative for Employment OWL.
The company actively learns from its German counterparts capitalizing on their advanced sustainability practices, a collaboration that enables Weidmuller USA to adopt established sustainability models without needing to reinvent the wheel, benefiting both markets, Sadler said.
The award also highlights the company’s active engagement and community initiatives, such as the We Care program, launched in 2020. Through this program, Sadler says the company employees participate in a range of community service projects, including river cleanups and collecting donations for those affected by disasters, thereby enriching local communities.
Feedback and Innovation Integration
Weidmuller prides itself on maintaining a robust feedback loop with both engineers and clients to ensure that products meet the evolving needs of the market, according to Sadler. The company’s support center allows users to access product information and communication channels, fostering dialogue that directly influences product development.
Additionally, customer surveys and events like “Orange Week,” where key customers are invited for firsthand feedback, ensure that Weidmuller remains aligned with industry needs, Sadler says, adding that continuous training and education further support innovation within the company. They have a state-of-the-art training center in Richmond where employees and distributors receive hands-on learning. This is complemented by an extensive online portal offering over 400 courses to keep staff updated on compliance, products and leadership, he noted.
The company also invests in the engineering community by offering internships and scholarships to students from local institutions. This initiative not only fosters new talent but also nurtures a diverse workforce that bridges the gap between emerging innovators and established best practices.
Watch additional parts of this interview series with Randy Sadler:
Part 1: Weidmuller USA Celebrates 50 Years
Part 2: The Future of Industrial Connectivity: Trends and Challenges at Weidmuller USA
