# The 50 largest corporate groups and holding companies in North Rhine-Westphalia

Tamtam tracks 189 corporate groups and holding companies headquartered in North Rhine-Westphalia. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Vorwerk Group, Rheinmetall Group and Vaillant Group. Their median headcount is 1,515. Half of them were founded in 1923 or later. The most common headquarters are Cologne (7), Düsseldorf (6) and Essen (6).

This selection of corporate groups and holding companies in North Rhine-Westphalia includes mid-sized firms and larger groups, primarily in manufacturing and services. Companies such as Vorwerk Group, founded in 1883, develop and sell household devices. Rheinmetall Group, established in 1889, focuses on pioneering technologies, while Vaillant Group, from 1874, specializes in heating and air conditioning technology. GOLDBECK, founded in 1969, designs and builds various types of buildings.

The data shows a concentration of long-established industrial companies, with several founded in the late 19th or early 20th century. However, there are also more recent companies like The Stepstone Group, a software development firm founded in 1996, and Ströer SE & Co. KGaA, an advertising services company from 1990, indicating a mix of traditional and modern sectors.

🇩🇪 North Rhine-Westphalia · 50 companies · Updated Nov 13, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Vorwerk Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vorwerk-group) (vorwerk-group.com)<br>Development, manufacturing, and direct sales of high-quality household devices including Thermomix and Kobold vacuum cleaners worldwide. | Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Wuppertal | 7,700 | 1883 |
| 2 | [Rheinmetall Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rheinmetall-group) (rheinmetall.com)<br>An innovative company focused on pioneering technologies to provide innovative solutions for global challenges, with a collective and passionate approach | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Düsseldorf | 5,930 | 1889 |
| 3 | [Vaillant Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vaillant-group) (vaillant-group.com)<br>International company specializing in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology, providing innovative and environmentally friendly heating solutions like heat pumps and gas heating appliances. | Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Remscheid | 5,770 | 1874 |
| 4 | [KOSTAL Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kostal-group) (kostal.com)<br>Develops, produces, and distributes technologically complex electronic and mechatronic products for automotive, industrial electronics, connectors, and test technology applications. | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Lüdenscheid | 5,302 | 1912 |
| 5 | [GOLDBECK](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/goldbeck) (goldbeck.de)<br>Designs, builds, and services diverse buildings across Europe, offering a one-stop-shop approach for fast, sustainable, and cost-effective real estate projects. | Construction | 🇩🇪 Bielefeld | 5,050 | 1969 |
| 6 | [Ströer SE & Co. KGaA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/stroer-se-and-co-kgaa) (stroeer.de)<br>Leading German media house, offering outdoor advertising, digital media, dialog marketing, e-commerce, and Data as a Service solutions, reaching millions of users. | Advertising Services | 🇩🇪 Cologne | 3,924 | 1990 |
| 7 | [Formel D Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/formel-d-group) (formeld.com)<br>Global automotive service provider offering market leading concepts and scalable solutions across the automotive value chain, from development to aftersales service Passion, professionalism, team spirit | Business Consulting and Services | 🇩🇪 Cologne | 3,726 | 1993 |
| 8 | [Atruvia AG](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/atruvia-ag) (atruvia.de)<br>Digitalization partner in the banking sector, offering IT solutions, app development, and banking services to a wide range of financial institutions and other industries | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇩🇪 Münster | 3,385 |  |
| 9 | [Adler Pelzer Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/adler-pelzer-group) (adlerpelzer.com)<br>A global leader in designing, engineering, and manufacturing acoustic and thermal components for cars, focusing on comfort and efficiency for customers | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Hagen | 3,384 | 1969 |
| 10 | [The Stepstone Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-stepstone-group) (thestepstonegroup.com)<br>Online job board connecting candidates with companies worldwide, serving diverse industries and facilitating recruitment for over 60,000 clients. | Software Development | 🇩🇪 Düsseldorf | 2,879 | 1996 |
| 11 | [HOCHTIEF](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hochtief) (hochtief.de)<br>A global construction company creating living spaces such as tunnels, roads, bridges, and cultural centers with a focus on integrity, innovation, and sustainability | Construction | 🇩🇪 Essen | 2,779 | 1873 |
| 12 | [KIRCHHOFF Automotive](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kirchhoff-automotive) (kirchhoff-automotive.com)<br>This company supplies innovative lightweight body solutions for the automotive industry, focusing on safety and crash performance for future vehicles | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Iserlohn | 2,646 | 1785 |
| 13 | [Alexianer GmbH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/alexianer-gmbh) (wonderl.ink)<br>A leading Catholic healthcare and social services company operating nationwide, providing medical care, senior, youth, and integration services, guided by a centuries-old tradition | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Münster | 2,559 | 1209 |
| 14 | [METRO AG](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/metro-ag) (metroag.de)<br>International food wholesaler serving hotels, restaurants, caterers, and independent merchants Offers multichannel purchasing options, sustainability focus, and operates globally | Wholesale | 🇩🇪 Düsseldorf | 2,220 | 1964 |
| 15 | [REMONDIS Gruppe](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/remondis-gruppe) (remondis.de)<br>Privately run company providing recycling, waste management, water services, and renewable energy solutions across multiple countries and industries. | Environmental Services | 🇩🇪 Lünen | 2,166 | 1934 |
| 16 | [BarmeniaGothaer](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/barmeniagothaer) (barmeniagothaer.de)<br>Mutual insurance company serving around eight million customers, offering diverse career opportunities and fostering a culture of trust and inclusivity. | Insurance | 🇩🇪 Cologne | 2,157 | 2024 |
| 17 | [Schüco International KG](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/schuco-international-kg) (schueco.com)<br>Leading provider of intelligent building envelope systems, offering diverse technologies, materials, strong customer focus, and comprehensive service worldwide. | Wholesale Building Materials | 🇩🇪 Bielefeld | 1,895 | 1951 |
| 18 | [dSPACE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dspace) (dspace.com)<br>A global leader in simulation and validation solutions for developing vehicles, offering end-to-end services for automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors | Software Development | 🇩🇪 Paderborn | 1,799 | 1988 |
| 19 | [Universitätsklinikum Bonn](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitatsklinikum-bonn) (ukbonn.de)<br>The company provides innovative high-performance healthcare in Germany, offering top-level medical care in 32 clinics and 25 institutes, prioritizing patient health and well-being | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Bonn | 1,789 |  |
| 20 | [WAGO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wago-minden) (wago.com)<br>Supplier of connection and automation technology products used worldwide in industrial, energy, building, mechanical, and transportation sectors ensuring reliable electrical connections and control systems. | Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Minden | 1,788 |  |
| 21 | [v. Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/v-bodelschwinghsche-stiftungen-bethel) (bethel.de)<br>The company provides a wide range of support and services for individuals with disabilities, illnesses, social challenges, and those in need of rehabilitation and care | Health and Human Services | 🇩🇪 Bielefeld | 1,667 | 1867 |
| 22 | [Scheidt & Bachmann](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/scheidt-and-bachmann) (scheidt-bachmann.de)<br>Development and provision of innovative system solutions for parking, signalling, fare collection, and energy retail in transport sectors worldwide. | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇩🇪 Mönchengladbach | 1,606 | 1872 |
| 23 | [Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitatsklinikum-dusseldorf) (uniklinik-duesseldorf.de)<br>Leading university hospital in Düsseldorf, providing high-level medical care, research, and medical education with a focus on innovation and specialized treatments | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Düsseldorf | 1,557 | 1907 |
| 24 | [Knappschaft Kliniken GmbH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/knappschaft-kliniken-gmbh) (knappschaft-kliniken.de)<br>A healthcare company based in Bochum, Germany, providing medical services and care to patients in the region | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Bochum | 1,554 |  |
| 25 | [Vonovia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vonovia) (vonovia.com)<br>A leading real estate company in Germany providing affordable housing, modern apartments, and sustainable living environments while prioritizing the well-being of their tenants | Real Estate | 🇩🇪 Bochum | 1,515 |  |
| 26 | [Windmoeller & Hoelscher Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/windmoeller-and-hoelscher-group) (wh.group)<br>Leading supplier of high-performance machinery and systems for manufacturing, printing, and converting flexible packaging worldwide with comprehensive customer solutions. | Machinery Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Lengerich | 1,404 | 1869 |
| 27 | [Alloheim Senioren-Residenzen SE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/alloheim-senioren-residenzen-se) (alloheim-gruppe.de)<br>A high-quality care provider for various age groups, specializing in nursing care, assisted living for seniors, and specialized care services | Nursing Homes and Residential Care Facilities | 🇩🇪 Düsseldorf | 1,244 | 1973 |
| 28 | [Viega Deutschland](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/viega-deutschland) (viega.com)<br>A global leader in sanitation and heating installation technology, offering over 17,000 products for various industries worldwide with a focus on quality, efficiency, and innovation | Construction | 🇩🇪 Attendorn | 1,242 | 1899 |
| 29 | [PRYM](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/prym) (prym-group.com)<br>A 500-year-old industrial company with four divisions: sewing accessories, fastening systems, underwear accessories, and technology specialties for various industries worldwide | Industrial Machinery Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Stolberg | 1,210 | 1530 |
| 30 | [Stadt Essen](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/stadt-essen) (essen.de)<br>Municipal government in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, overseeing local governance, decision-making, and services for the city's residents | Government Administration | 🇩🇪 Essen | 1,172 |  |
| 31 | [DEUTZ](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/deutz) (deutz.com)<br>A pioneering company since 1864, developing environmentally-friendly and efficient drive technologies with customer-specific solutions for reliable power and economical costs | Machinery Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Cologne | 1,172 | 1864 |
| 32 | [KÖTTER Services](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kotter-services) (koetter.de)<br>A diverse group specializing in security, cleaning, personnel services, and property management with over 90 branches and 50 locations in Germany | Facilities Services | 🇩🇪 Essen | 1,145 | 1934 |
| 33 | [ISS Deutschland](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iss-deutschland) (de.issworld.com)<br>Global leader in facility services, providing a wide range of services like building maintenance, cleaning, catering, security, and integrated facility management with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction | Facilities Services | 🇩🇪 Düsseldorf | 1,132 | 1960 |
| 34 | [HIMA Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hima-group) (hima.com)<br>Global leader in safety-related automation solutions for process and railway industries, offering functional safety, automation security, and plant profitability through certified safety systems and services | Automation Machinery Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Brühl | 1,119 | 1908 |
| 35 | [Trützschler Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/trutzschler-group) (truetzschler.com)<br>A German textile machinery manufacturer with over 130 years of expertise in fiber and spinning preparation, employing over 3,000 people worldwide | Machinery Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Mönchengladbach | 1,089 |  |
| 36 | [SARSTEDT Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sarstedt-group) (sarstedt.com)<br>Development of high-quality solutions for sample collection, liquid handling, transport, and automation to improve laboratory efficiency and diagnostics. | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Nümbrecht | 1,046 | 1961 |
| 37 | [MC-Bauchemie International](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mc-bauchemie-international) (mc-bauchemie.com)<br>A global manufacturer of building chemical products with subsidiaries worldwide, focused on tailored solutions and development of employees Visit their website for open vacancies | Wholesale Building Materials | 🇩🇪 Bottrop | 1,034 | 1961 |
| 38 | [TEMPTON Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tempton-group) (tempton.de)<br>The TEMPTON Group provides high-quality solutions for diverse HR challenges, offering new perspectives for businesses and development opportunities for individuals | Human Resources Services | 🇩🇪 Essen | 1,017 | 2007 |
| 39 | [MERKUR GROUP](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/merkur-group) (merkur.group)<br>Family-run group specializing in electronic gaming devices, casinos, sports betting, and online gaming with diverse career opportunities. | Gambling Facilities and Casinos | 🇩🇪 Espelkamp | 964 | 1957 |
| 40 | [TIMETOACT GROUP](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/timetoact-group) (timetoact-group.com)<br>The company specializes in modernizing and integrating IT applications for businesses, while also designing and implementing digital business models for innovative clients | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇩🇪 Cologne | 952 |  |
| 41 | [Xella Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/xella-group) (xella.com)<br>European provider of sustainable walling solutions using mineral raw materials, driving innovation in construction processes for efficient and low-carbon buildings | Wholesale Building Materials | 🇩🇪 Duisburg | 950 |  |
| 42 | [Elmos](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/elmos) (elmos.com)<br>This company develops and manufactures semiconductors for the automotive industry, specializing in safety, comfort, powertrain, and network functions They focus on innovation and quality | Semiconductor Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Leverkusen | 894 | 1984 |
| 43 | [Borussia Dortmund](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/borussia-dortmund) (bvb.de)<br>Football club creating intense experiences, building strong fan loyalty, and striving for sporting success with a direct, open, and combative spirit. | Spectator Sports | 🇩🇪 Dortmund | 858 | 1909 |
| 44 | [Universitätsmedizin Essen](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitatsmedizin-essen) (ume.de)<br>Leader in healthcare in the Ruhr area, operating multiple hospitals and specialized centers, providing top-notch medical care, research, and education | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Essen | 840 | 1909 |
| 45 | [TENTE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tente) (tente.com)<br>A global manufacturer of casters and wheels, specializing in various segments including healthcare, lifestyle, industry, and heavy duty, known for quality and innovation | International Trade and Development | 🇩🇪 Cologne | 824 | 1923 |
| 46 | [DMT GROUP](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dmt-group) (dmt-group.com)<br>A global engineering services and consulting company specializing in plant engineering, infrastructure, natural resources, and energy, creating sustainable value for clients worldwide | Civil Engineering | 🇩🇪 Essen | 810 | 1737 |
| 47 | [Melitta Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/melitta-group) (melitta-group.com)<br>The company invents products like coffee filters, ground coffee, filter coffee machines, sandwich paper, and aluminum foil for household use, aiming to make daily life more enjoyable. | Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Minden | 754 | 1908 |
| 48 | [VERDER SCIENTIFIC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/verder-scientific) (verder-scientific.com)<br>A global leader in high-tech equipment for solid matter analysis, serving research institutions and industries with innovative and reliable products | Industrial Machinery Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Haan | 751 |  |
| 49 | [XERVON](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/xervon) (xervon.de)<br>A leading industrial service provider offering scaffolding, industrial insulation, maintenance, surface technology, refractory construction, E&I technology, and technical services in multiple countries | Construction | 🇩🇪 Cologne | 750 | 1928 |
| 50 | [REWE Dortmund SE & Co. KG](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rewe-dortmund-se-and-co-kg) (rewe-dortmund.de)<br>A regional grocery retailer in North Rhine-Westphalia, operating around 400 stores, focusing on supporting local products and communities while providing employment opportunities and training programs | Retail | 🇩🇪 Dortmund | 748 | 1913 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 13, 2026.

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- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Munich](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-munich) (47)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Cologne](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-cologne) (25)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Corporate groups and holding companies in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-in-the-world) (12,862)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Europe](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-in-europe) (4,395)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-north-rhine-westphalia