The history of E/D/E

Tradition obliges
1929

It all started with an idea

Ferdinand Trautwein was fascinated by the idea of joint purchasing and so the founding idea of E/D/E was born.

1931

The year of birth of the E/D/E

E/D/E is founded in Wuppertal on November 11, 1931.

1932

The first step towards training

The E/D/E founders took on their first apprentice – and generally their first employee.

1964

Move to current location

E/D/E has its headquarters in the industrial area of Wuppertal-Langerfeld.

1967

Dr. Eugen Trautwein joins E/D/E

Dr. Eugen Trautwein is the second generation of the Trautwein family to work at the top of E/D/E.

1983

Foundation of e + h Services AG

As the Swiss representative for well-known national and international brands, e + h Services AG is the interface between manufacturers in Switzerland and abroad as well as distributors in the region and beyond.

1990

Site expansion

E/D/E acquired a neighboring company site of almost 30,000 square meters.

1995

Construction of the E/D/E high-rise building

Between 1995 and 1998, E/D/E built a new administration building.

2002

Establishment of the E/D/E Foundation

Dr. Eugen Trautwein founded the non-profit, independent E/D/E Foundation in 2002.

2006

3rd generation in the Managing Director’s office

Dr. Andreas Trautwein joined the E/D/E Managing Director in 2006.

2008

E/D/E Foundation and Junior Uni Wuppertal

The E/D/E Foundation is one of three founding partners of the Junior Uni Wuppertal.

2009

Modern logistics technologies

E/D/E is constantly striving to find and implement new, efficient solutions, especially in logistics.

2009

Sustainability as an integral part

Sustainability has always been practiced at E/D/E, has been a guiding principle since 2004 and has been anchored in the corporate strategy since 2009.

2010

E/D/E honored with Wuppertal Business Award

E/D/E received the Wuppertal Business Award as the “Company of 2010” for the first time.

2011

EDE International AG

The wholly-owned subsidiary EDE International AG, based in Zurich, commences its business activities.

2011

Foundation of ETRIS BANK

As the central settlement bank, ETRIS BANK is the connecting element between the member companies and E/D/E’s contract suppliers. It offers all partners in central payment a quick and uncomplicated billing process.

2012

Foundation of DELCREDIT España S.A.

DELCREDIT ESPAÑA S.A. is a company founded by CECOFERSA Central de Compras y Servicios Profesionales S.A. and EDE INTERNATIONAL AG. Their goal: A new service to simplify and increase the productivity of the connection between suppliers and members.

2013

Foundation of EURO-DIY GmbH & Co. KG

In EURO-DIY GmbH & Co. KG, EK/servicegroup from Bielefeld and E/D/E combine their retail expertise in DIY and gardening.

2014

E/D/E AKADEMIE founded

E/D/E offers its partners industry-specific further training opportunities through the E/D/E AKADEMIE.

2014

Opening of the daycare center “Die EDEfanten”

With its own day-care center, E/D/E enables a better work-life balance.

2015

Foundation of Toolineo

Whether you are an experienced tradesman, professional home user or buyer from trade, municipality or industry – Toolineo is the marketplace for trade supplies.

2016

Foundation of ESH

ESH EURO STAHL-Handel is an association of over 140 medium-sized, high-performance steel distributors for the strategic development and promotion of competitive advantages on the steel market.

2016

Foundation of eDC Haustechnik-Daten GmbH

Wuppertal-based eDC Haustechnik-Daten GmbH & Co. KG provides building services wholesalers with up-to-date data records on more than one million items.

2016

Introduction of EVOLUTION

EVOLUTION is a broad-based strategic and organisational development process that affects all areas of the E/D/E Group.

2018

Foundation of PVH FUTURE LAB GmbH

The PVH FUTURE LAB has set itself the task of developing digital future topics for the sector and making them accessible. This will generate and establish new business model options for PVH.

2021

Sustainable packaging machine is inaugurated

To increase the performance of the eLC and improve the ecological footprint at the same time.

2022

International expansion

In 2022, more than 20 new members will be gained outside Germany, meaning that E/D/E will be active in 30 countries.

2023

E/D/E is ÖKOPROFIT-certified

Certification by ÖKOPROFIT a cooperation project between municipalities, regional businesses and other regional partners.