W&S, an established distributor and service partner of capital equipment, automation solutions and lifecycle services for the electronics manufacturing industry in the Benelux, has announced a new strategic partnership and strengthened shareholder structure to support the next phase of its growth.

As part of this development, Jochem Winkelman has joined W&S as both investor and Managing Director. Having held senior roles within manufacturing and electronics production organisations, he will oversee the company's next phase of growth while working alongside strategic partner DDJ Holdings, the group behind Altus Group in the UK and Ireland and Danutek across Central and Eastern Europe.

The partnership will strengthen W&S's long-term market position, technical capabilities and customer support offering, while creating new opportunities for collaboration across the wider group.

Jochem Winkelman, Managing Director of W&S, said: "W&S has built a strong reputation for technical expertise, customer focus and service quality over many years. By combining this foundation with the experience, resources and industry knowledge available across the wider group, we are creating a stronger platform for future growth while maintaining the close customer relationships and technical support our customers value."

The new structure will allow W&S to further develop its sales, service and lifecycle support capabilities, helping customers maximise equipment performance, improve production efficiency and support long-term manufacturing objectives.

Joe Booth, Chief Executive Officer of Altus Group, said: "We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to supporting the continued development of W&S. The company has a strong reputation in the Benelux market, long-standing customer relationships and an excellent portfolio of technology partners.

"With Jochem leading the business and the support of the wider group, we believe W&S is well positioned for future growth. By sharing knowledge, expertise and best practices across our organisations, we can further strengthen the support available to both customers and suppliers throughout the region."

For existing customers and suppliers, W&S will continue to operate as the trusted partner they know today. Existing contracts, service levels and ongoing business operations remain unchanged.
To support continuity during the transition, Ruud Bouwhuis and Goos van Pelt will remain actively involved with the business, while Helen Pels will continue her activities within W&S until her retirement, ensuring valuable knowledge and relationships remain in place.
Founded in 1984, W&S has established itself as a trusted partner to electronics manufacturers throughout the Benelux. Through its strengthened shareholder structure and strategic partnership with DDJ Holdings, the company aims to further reinforce its position as a leading provider of equipment, automation solutions and lifecycle services to the electronics manufacturing industry.

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