Hospital correspondence from Wolfgang Grupp in its entirety
In a heartfelt letter to his employees, entrepreneur Wolfgang Grupp, the renowned founder of Trigema, has shared his personal battle with age-related depression. The 84-year-old businessman, who has dedicated his entire life to the textile company, expressed regret for his actions and urged those suffering from depression to seek professional help.
Born in 1942 in Burladingen, Swabian Alb, Grupp rose to prominence in German business due to his leadership style and memorable TV commercials featuring a chimpanzee in a suit. He took over Trigema in 1969 and transformed it into a symbol of German manufacturing excellence, refusing to outsource production and emphasizing "Made in Germany" quality.
Grupp stepped down as CEO earlier this year, handing over the business to his children, Wolfgang Grupp junior and Bonita. Despite his retirement, his influence remains significant, given his commitment to local employment and his role model status.
In his letter, Grupp explained his attempt to take his own life, detailing his struggle with depression. He expressed gratitude for his accomplishments and acknowledged the discomfort his strong views sometimes caused, reflecting on his life dedicated to Trigema and advocating for responsible entrepreneurship.
Grupp expressed deepest gratitude to his wife Elisabeth, his children Bonita and Wolfgang, and all the employees of Trigema. He also expressed confidence that his children would lead the company responsibly into a successful and secure future.
For those struggling with depression, several resources are available in Germany. The free, Germany-wide info-phone for depression is 0800 33 44 5 33. German Depression Help offers regional crisis services and clinics, as well as advice for those affected and relatives. The Telephone Seelsorge hotline is another option, available at 0800/111-0-111 or 0800/111-0-222 (free of charge). The Child and Youth Telephone (0800/111-0-333 or 116-111) is also available for young people in need.
In times of emergency, the number 112 can be dialed. It is important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it is crucial to prioritise mental health and wellbeing.
Grupp's public statement serves as a reminder of the complexities of personal struggles and the impact of stepping back from leadership roles, especially for those deeply invested in their businesses and public personas. His message of hope and encouragement to seek help resonates with many, and his commitment to his family and employees remains unwavering.
In light of his personal struggle with age-related depression, entrepreneur Wolfgang Grupp has emphasized the importance of seeking professional help for mental health issues, encouraging those who may be suffering to take advantage of resources such as the free Germany-wide info-phone (0800 33 44 5 33) and German Depression Help, which offers regional crisis services, clinics, and advice for the affected and their relatives.
Grupp's advocacy for mental health mirrors his commitment to his community, reflecting his belief in the importance of prioritizing health-and-wellness, including mental health, for all individuals. His vocational training programs at Trigema, aimed at fostering local employment and skill development, exemplify his dedication to promoting personal growth and self-improvement in the science of vocational training.
