As part of a management succession plan that has been in preparation for two years, the management team is being reorganized
Bielefeld, April 2, 2025 – Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH (DFT), based in Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, announces current changes in the management. Sigurd Völker has been recalled as sole Managing Director of the company as of April 1, 2025, but will continue to support the company as Non-Executive Director. The previous authorized signatories Dirk Bockelmann, Helmut Schmitz and Johannes Holas will take over the management of the company.
Sigurd Völker had been Managing Director since November 2000 and played a key role in the development of DFT. During his management period, the company grew to over 500 employees, increased its turnover from around 30 to 200 million euros and became highly profitable. A key strategic step was the separation from Dürkopp Adler AG and the shareholder transfer to the Austrian KNAPP AG in 2010, which made growth and internationalization possible.
During this period, DFT has developed into a technology leader that implements unique solutions for the automation of logistics and distribution processes in the fashion and e-commerce sector. Its customers include brands and companies such as Inditex (Zara), Next, Arvato, Zalando, C&A, Ernsting’s Family, Decathlon, Celio in France, Limedika in Lithuania and Renner in Brazil.
With the reorganization of the management team, Dirk Bockelmann takes over responsibility for Customers & Service. He has been part of the Executive Board since January 2023 and brings over 20 years of management experience from companies such as Wincor Nixdorf, NCR and Becton Dickinson (Rowa). Most recently, he was responsible for Sales & Marketing at DFT. His future focus will be on the further development of customer-oriented service and product strategies as well as the standardization of sorting technologies.
“DFT has established itself as a strategic partner in global intralogistics. Our future goal is to provide customers with an even faster and more scalable service – both in stationary retail and in e-commerce,” says Bockelmann.
Johannes Holas takes over the management of Projects & Strategy. He has held various management roles at KNAPP AG for over 13 years and was most recently responsible for group integration and strategic development at DFT. In his new role, he will primarily strengthen the company’s implementation power and innovation dynamics.
“We want to further expand DFT’s technological potential – with a focus on the customer promise. We combine our innovative strength with strong project management and a focus on solutions that make the difference for our customers,” says Holas.
Helmut Schmitz will continue to be responsible for Finance & Operations. With his many years of experience in financial management and operational excellence, he will make a significant contribution to further optimizing the company’s structures and securing its international growth.
With the new management team, DFT is positioning itself for the future. The close integration of customer focus, technological innovation and operational efficiency will remain the basis for sustainable growth. The company and shareholders would like to thank Mr. Völker for his engagement and creative power over almost 25 years and look forward to further cooperation in his new role.
Press contact
Beatrice Richert
Team Leader Marketing & Communication
M: +49 152 04260 293
beatrice.richert@duerkopp.com
About DFT (Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH)
DFT – Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH sets standards worldwide with its automation technology for overhead conveying and sorting systems. The Bielefeld-based company with 500+ employees first became known in 1954 as a department of the Bielefeld Dürkoppwerke. After being spun off as a separate GmbH in 1995, DFT was acquired by the KNAPP group of companies in 2010, where it complements the product portfolio with its various sorting and sequencing technologies. DFT thus improves the intralogistics processes of its customers in many applications such as store delivery, online ordering and returns management. Over 120 well-known brands worldwide rely on DFT’s technology and expertise to master their logistical challenges. DFT has successfully established more than 340 distribution centers worldwide and thus supports the efficient warehouse and shipping logistics of its customers.
