Founded in 1925, WASGAU Produktions & Handels AG remains committed to regional ties, sustainability, freshness, and quality. The company is built on four pillars: the butcher shop, the fruit and vegetable section, the wine cellar, and the bakery. During our 13th networking meeting of the West Palatinate Women Leaders, we had the opportunity to experience the bakery’s in-house production firsthand. Four dedicated women leaders made this special insight possible, particularly Dr. Ursula Krell, head of WASGAU's construction department, who initiated the visit.

After opening remarks by Jutta Metzler, a member of the ZRW Executive Board and Vice President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, who thanked WASGAU for the opportunity to visit such an important company and major regional employer, Isolde Woll, WASGAU Produktions & Handels AG's Head of Marketing and Deputy Chair of the Supervisory Board, provided an overview of the company's structure. WASGAU employs a total of around 3,770 people, 799 of whom work in the bakery.

Isolde Woll provided a lively overview of the inner workings of WASGAU markets. The company’s strong regional roots were evident: the team considers itself “locals” and takes pride in supplying the community with groceries. About two-thirds of the stores are located in the Palatinate region and the rest are in the Saarland. This connection to the region is reflected in the stores’ appearance, from the red sandstone-inspired facades to the logo, which captures the Wasgau's typical landscape. Depending on the location, this concept is interpreted differently. For example, the Landau store has a design inspired by wine country.

At the same time, the company is committed to innovative solutions. For instance, a WASGAU 24/7 Smartstore, which operates entirely on a self-service basis, opened in Pirmasens at the end of 2025. The company is also committed to sustainability through close relationships with regional manufacturers, electric trucks, and Green Building initiatives.

During the tour of the bakery’s production facilities, it became clear just how much manual labor goes into the products. Many steps in the process are still done by hand, whether it’s hand-rolling nut striezel or elaborately crafting cakes.

Anja Heimgartner-Weber, the sales manager and authorized signatory at WASGAU Bakery & Pastry Shop, shared fascinating insights into her professional career. Of particular note: She started at the bottom and, through hard work and continuous professional development, has reached a prominent leadership position that she clearly fills with great passion. Jana Naundorf Assuncao and Dr. Ursula Krell briefly introduced themselves and their fascinating fields of work. Thus, we once again had the opportunity to meet four impressive women with diverse and inspiring career paths.

Jutta Metzler aptly summed up the meeting’s main point: “Success doesn’t come easily.” It requires perseverance, courage in the face of challenges, and the ability to use criticism as a driving force for personal growth. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated female leaders at WASGAU AG for organizing this successful networking event, complete with a delicious breakfast.