C. Woermann (Ghana) Ltd
All data are collected in the Fiscal Year of 2008-2009.
Company Profile and History
Woermann is a "family empire" founded by Carl Woermann and is a mid-sized company in African-European trade. Carl Woermann's son Adolph Woermann (1847-1910)-who was elected to the German "Reichstag”-became one of the most important merchants in African trade and the owner of the world's largest privately-owned shipping company. He was engaged in the formation of the German African colonies, especially of Cameroon and today's Namibia.
The company was founded in 1837 and trade with Africa started at the same time. During the course of World War I, shipping routes to Africa became inaccessible, ships were lost and Woermann-owned properties in Cameroon, Gabon, Liberia etc. were expropriated.
In 1920, Kurt Woermann, Adolph‘s son re-build the business. He re-opened offices in Monrovia, Freetown, Accra and Eloby/Bata where German ironware, machinery, textiles and pharmaceuticals were traded in exchange for cocoa, palm oil and rubber. During World War II the company once again lost its African business. Its African businesses were opened again in 1949.
In 1954 C.Woermann Ghana was formally founded. An office was opened in Accra and in 1973 an office in Kumasi was opened. In 200 warehousing facilities were extended at the Kumasi site and in 2003 in Accra.
C.Woermann co-ordinates all export and financial operations from its headquarters in Hamburg. Import and distribution is managed directly from its subsidiaries in Nigeria and Ghana, where an extensive range of products with European and worldwide manufacturing labels are stocked.
In Country Location
Nsawam Road, Avenor Junction, Accra, Ghana;
Telephone: +233 21 225141/ 221777
Telefax: +233 21 227407
Lake Road, Kumasi, Ghana;
Telephone: +233 51-37597 or -22952;
Telefax: +233 51-22952
Services and Products
C. Woermann (Ghana) acts as a technical trade and service company specialising in machinery, tools, spare parts, tyres and equipment for industry, commerce and agriculture. The main departments are: Automotive, Machinery and Steel, which deal with a wide selection of products, including: DEUTZ: Generators with DEUTZ engines 20 - 1000kVA; BOMAG: Compaction machinery; PUTZMEISTER: Concrete pumps (stationary und mobile); IRMAIR: Air compressors (with diesel engine); ABAC: Air compressors (electrical); CAMS: Mini excavators; HC: Forklifts from 1.8 to 10 tons; SAME: Tractors from 75 to 210 HP ; WOOD MIZER: Band saws (stationary) ; STIHL: Saws, cutter, high pressure cleaner ;JOPER: Plows, Trailers; MAKITA: Power tools for wood, metal and stone ;KENNEDY: Tools for maintenance jobs ;IRWIN: Tools for workshops; ABUS: Security systems (locks)
Number of Employees
52 people
Financial Information
N/A
Market Share
C. Woermann is Ghana’s leading international supplier of automotive parts, machinery, steel and autoparts and its products are available country-wide. Woermann is one of the strongest trading links between Germany and Africa. Leading suppliers such as Bosch, Stihl, Michelin, Federal Mogul and Mahle have selected C.Woermann as their sole agent and partner in Africa.
Business Objective
“C.Woermann is committed to: building long term relationships with its customers; building long-term partnerships with its suppliers ;providing a first class, reliable service ;supplying products which consistently meet high quality standards ; and conducting all business according to fair trading practices “
Business Model
Its strategy for growth is based on a strong family tradition, longstanding presence in Africa long standing partnerships with global suppliers and strong link in the supply chain. “The strong family management team of C.Woermann combines over 160 years of company history and experience in export and international trade with the most high tech means of transportation, communication and warehousing which exist today. Collectively they provide the company with strategic direction and are the driving force behind C.Woermann‘s trading success seizing the opportunities today and overcoming the challenges of tomorrow. “
Ownership of Business
C. Woermann Ghana is a 100% subsidiary of C.WOERMANN GMBH & CO. KG.
Benefits Offered and Relations with Government
Woermann is on the List of “Importers in Good Standing” and is exempted from the 1% IRS Withholding Tax.
Product Development
N/A