Uncertainty surrounding Wolfgang Grupp: Ex-Trigema boss in the hospital!

Uncertainty surrounding Wolfgang Grupp: Ex-Trigema boss in the hospital!

Wolfgang Grupp, the well-known former boss of the underwear manufacturer Trigema, has been in the hospital since July 7, 2025. His health is currently uncertain and questions are raging as employees and the public worry about the entrepreneur. The company spokeswoman has said it will release more information in due course, but the exact timing remains unclear. A statement that Wolfgang Grupp is doing "well for his age" shed some light, although this does not offer much security given the current situation. There is now no new information about his health since his hospitalization, which further increases the uncertainty, as Merkur reports.

Confusion arose when a rescue helicopter was deployed in Burladingen on the morning of July 7th. On site, emergency services found a seriously injured person in a private house. However, the police could not confirm whether this person was Wolfgang Grupp. What remains clear is that there are no signs of third-party involvement or a crime, which is why no investigation was initiated. In this tense situation, Karl-Josef Schoser, the chairman of the works council, comments on the affected workforce and reports that the work rhythm is normal, but he also had difficulties in allaying the employees' concerns as the uncertainty is noticeable in the company.

The traditional entrepreneur and Trigema

Wolfgang Grupp, born in Burladingen in 1942, took over the Trigema company founded by his grandfather in 1969, which today looks back on an impressive history of over 106 years. Under his aegis, the brand became one of the best-known German clothing manufacturers, standing for its products entirely produced in Germany. In 2023, Trigema achieved production sales of 129.3 million euros and employs more than 1,140 people. The old warhorse was particularly known for his eye-catching television commercials, including those featuring the chimpanzee Charly.

But it's not just his entrepreneurial talent that sets Wolfgang Grupp apart. At the beginning of 2024, he handed over management to his children, Wolfgang Grupp junior and Bonita, who want to bring a breath of fresh air into the traditional company. The two have made it their mission to modernize the brand's image and want to position Trigema more strongly in e-commerce. While Wolfgang junior oversees the areas of finance and production, Bonita takes over marketing and human resources, with the competencies being evenly divided.

Challenges on the horizon

Trigema is currently facing major challenges that the new management must overcome even better. Competition from international brands such as Shein and Temu is increasing, while the shortage of skilled workers does not stop at the traditional company. Around 30% of employees will retire in the next five years, which requires additional measures. The company has already started offering language courses for employees and created tiny houses for their living space. Trigema also follows trends through influencers and uses modern technologies to remain competitive.

Responsibility now lies with the new generation, while all eyes are on Wolfgang Grupp, whose health continues to add to the uncertainty. As the Kreiszeitung states, the company's management is currently stable and concerns about ongoing operations continue. Let's hope that positive news about Wolfgang Grupp and his health will soon be heard from the hospital.

The public remains tense for further developments and information and is waiting for the next update from Burladingen, hoping that there will soon be a ray of hope for the Trigema family, as the NZZ reports.