50 years of company history - a real milestone. But when a company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it's not really a matter of looking back, but rather of casting one's glance towards the future. And that's because the trained eye looking forward is the best guide for setting the right course for future success. The course has been set and the position is clear: wsm will remain a company under family management!

We, the new management team, want to continue this tradition into the third generation. And our guiding star will remain the principles that made wsm such a strong contender:

• Good honest work in a climate of esteem for each other and mutual respect.

• Relations based on fair dealings with a network of competent suppliers, subcontractors and service providers.

• Planning and operations always based on the customer's requirements - which means open eyes and ears for market developments.

Given this awareness, we are confident that we can provide our customers with reliable and constant high quality and, for all who co-operate with us, a fair and considerate partnership.

That was the family company wsm until 12.12.07. Then, with the award of the "Golden Master Craftsman's Certificate" Walter Solbach took his leave from the company and entered his well earned retirement. All the children, sons- and daughters-in law and his grandchildren wish him every happiness and a rewarding sphere of activity in his continuing function as a free consultant.

The wsm Managing Directors, Peter Solbach and Werner Schenk, together with their wives and the authorised signatories Hermann-Josef Schuh and Hartmut Meyer, are well prepared to master the challenges of the future.

Cycling is in - and that's good for us all! Using your bicycle is the only transportation method, used on a daily basis that has zero emissions. It requires no fuel, but burns calories, keeps money in your wallet and is healthy for you too. At the same time, cyclists relieve the congestion in cities. Wsm Walter Solbach Metallbau GmbH is involved in a variety of institutions encouraging cycling:

About 40 companies from the cycling industry support the work of the ADFC (Allgemeinen Deutschen Fahrrad-Clubs). Ever since 1979 the club looks after the interests of cyclists in Germany and initiated the European Cyclists' Federation (www.ecf.com). With over 450 local groups and 80 staffed offices or information centres, the ADFC has built up a nationwide network of lobby workers who are there for anyone who has got something to do with bicycles. About 5000 voluntary members actively organise cycle races, put pressure on politicians and advise cyclists on technical innovations and good travel destinations. The ADFC has over 120,000 members and therefore a strong voice for a great method of transportation. Through publications, conventions and conferences, the ADFC negotiates ground breaking and successful strategies all for the promotion of cycling. As a supporter to public projects, such as "Light Check" or "Cycle to work" the ADFC is itself actively involved their implementation.

www.adfc.de

"Unternehmen FahrRad!" (Companies ride bikes!) is an workgroup initiative from cycling friendly cities, parishes and districts in NRW (North Rhein Westfalia) - the AGFS. A variety of companies and institutions have joined toether, and wsm is a part of this since it was formed in 2005. The main goal of the "Unternehmen FahrRad!" is to encourage cycling. This happens in many different ways. For example political discussions with the North Rhein Westfalia's parliament and the Department of Transport, or the involvement of the "Unternehmen FahrRad" in the work of the AGFS as well as the comprehensive planning and implementation of projects.

www.fahrradfreundlich.nrw.de

The Bike Brainpool is an enthusiastic circle of characters from the cycling industry, whose goal is to encourage cycling by going over any competition or association borders. Wsm is a member since 2007.

www.bikebrainpool.de

The VSF is an independent group with over 250 bike shops, manufacturers, service providers and projects belonging to it. Service and quality stand in the centre of their work. That why the VSF are busy in the education, further training and concept design of better products as well as lobby work for the bicycle. Furthermore, the VSF awards the VSF-Certificate for particularly good and long lasting products

www.vsf.de

More Bicycle

Vivavelo is the congress of the cycling industry on the 22nd & 23rd February 2010 in Berlin.

It is a cooperation of organisations within trade and industry.
With a joint vision: MORE BICYCLE!
It is a platform for anyone who would like to bring forward the bicycle.

The programme offers an interesting array out of information, discussions and presentations: Lectures and workshops, an innovation look, stage discussions, a party - an appealing mix for head and gut feelings!

Details on the programme can be found here as from September 2009.

www.vivavelo.org