History

The Foundation

Our company’s story began in 1903, when Johann Duckgeischel founded a coal trading business in Bechtolsheim. With this step, he laid the foundation for what is today Duckgeischel GmbH – a company still family-owned in its fourth generation. Recognizing the needs of the region early on, Johann gradually expanded his product range to include additional fuels, animal feed, seeds, grain, and various agricultural products.

In 1935, Georg Duckgeischel took over the business from his father and continued to develop it with foresight. Crop protection products and fertilizers were added to the portfolio, strengthening the company’s role as a reliable partner for the agricultural sector.

Growth and Transformation in the 1960s and 1970s

In 1964, the next generation stepped in, with Theo Duckgeischel taking over the business. He was supported throughout by his wife Hilde, who was actively involved in day-to-day operations. Shortly after taking the reins, Theo expanded the company’s infrastructure: a 400-ton grain silo was built in 1965, followed five years later by four additional round silos. As the business grew, the first employees were hired.

The company also began purchasing grapes and added a diesel fueling station to its services. In 1975, Theo acquired a truck and a minibus to support logistics, along with a 20-ton weighbridge to improve efficiency in handling incoming and outgoing goods.

From Agricultural Trade to Bind Wire Production

A key milestone was reached in 1970 with the purchase of a machine to produce paper-coated binding wire, mainly used in viticulture. This environmentally friendly and easy-to-use product quickly replaced traditional methods involving willow branches or plastic bands and opened a new market segment for the company.

Over the following years, demand for the product grew steadily. Fruit and vegetable growers, florists, and creative hobbyists also came to appreciate its versatility. In 1972, a new 750 m² warehouse was built under Theo Duckgeischel’s leadership to store raw materials and finished bind wire products, as well as fertilizers. In response to increasing grain volumes, a new 1,000-ton grain silo was added in 1981.

As the years went by, son Jürgen and his wife Cilli became increasingly involved in the family business. In 1998, Jürgen officially took over the company.

A Family Business Looking Ahead

Jürgen Duckgeischel focused on expanding the company’s national and international customer base for binding wire. In 2013, the product line was enhanced by the introduction of colorful binding wire, further strengthening the company’s position in the market. In addition to binding wire, the business also offers wood pellets, heating oil, and other fuels.

Since 2017, Jürgen’s son Robin has been working in the company alongside his university studies, supporting operations as a working student. Following his graduation, Robin Duckgeischel gained several years of experience in sales and marketing before officially taking over the business at the beginning of 2025.

His father, Jürgen Duckgeischel, continues to play an active role in daily operations as an authorized officer (Prokurist), ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in leadership.