I feel better. Since 1951. 75 years of medi

75 years of medi: three-quarters of a century defined by innovation, ideas and the courage to embrace change. In our anniversary year, 2026, we reflect on our history while looking ahead to a bright future. What has driven us in the past, continues to inspire us today and will guide us tomorrow. Helping people feel better with medi: I feel better. Since 1951.

medi’s anniversary: From its humble beginnings in a dance hall in Bayreuth to becoming a global player

From Bayreuth to the world: In 1951, during a time of reconstruction and optimism, Wolfgang Weihermüller toook the bold leap into the unknown. Fleeing the Russian occupation zone, he travelled via Berlin for Bayreuth carrying parts of a valuable knitting machine. Setting up shop in a dance hall, he and his cousin Günter Voigtmann laid the foundations for medi. What began in 1951 as the courageous vision of two men has grown into an internationally successful global company. today, with a network of its own subsidiaries, medi supplies products to more than 90 countries worldwide.

And the medi story continues: with a keen eye for detail and technical expertise, around 1,800 employees in Bayreuth - and approximately 3,000 worldwide - develop solutions designed to enhance quality of life. Our products and services are dedicated to optimising therapeutic outcomes in the medical sector. while also delivering a unique body experience in the sports and fashion sectors.

Stability, continuity and a constant stream of fresh ideas: 75 years of the family-run business medi

Since 2025, the company has been run by the third generation. Like the founding fathers and the second generation – Dr Michael and Stefan Weihermüller – Miriam Weihermüller and Philipp Schatz also demonstrate a pioneering spirit, courage, appreciation and respect in their leadership of medi.

"At medi, innovation is not just a trend, but part of our DNA. We have always been a company with drive, spirit and a clear strategy for the future. As we mark our 75th anniversary, we have one goal above all others: that medi continues to be what has defined us since 1951 – a company with conviction, heart and a firm determination to make a tangible difference to people’s lives worldwide. As a business, we want to continue on this path with the same curiosity, courage and innovative spirit that characterised our founders. medi has always been at its strongest when we have questioned the status quo, dared to try new things and conceived solutions before others saw them."

Philipp Schatz, Co-CEO medi, board director

Geschäftsführung medi — from left to right: Marcus Weihermüller (supervisory board member), Miriam Weihermüller and Philipp Schatz (board of directors)

"For us, medi’s 75th anniversary is not just an occasion to look back, but a commitment to further expand our role as an active shaper of the industry – to be pioneers,” says Miriam Weihermüller. “This is only possible with a family-like atmosphere, openness, creativity and ambition: that is why, on the occasion of our anniversary, we would like above all to say thank you. Thank you to our employees, whose commitment has shaped medi for 75 years, and to our partners worldwide who have journeyed with us along this path."

Miriam Weihermüller, Co-CEO medi, board director

Yesterday, today and tomorrow: putting people first

To mark our 75th anniversary, we are not just celebrating our history - we are celebrating the people behind medi: our colleagues, partners, industry experts and everyone who has accompanied us on this journey. Together, we look ahead with fresh inspiration and a shared motivation to help shape the future of the industry.

Around 21% of our employees have been with medi for 20 years or more, while over 50% have been part of the company for at least ten years. These figures show just how important long-standing colleagues are to our success and reflect the strong sense of unity that defines medi.

We are proud of this commitment – and invite talented individuals to become part of our story.

Explore medi careers

medi milestones

What began in 1951 with medical compression stockings – then still known as “rubber stockings” – was shaped from the very beginning by a spirit of innovation, textile expertise, and a deep understanding of medical needs. Since then, many further milestones and innovations have followed – here are some of the most important ones:

medi founders — In 1951, Wolfgang Weihermüller (pictured on the left) and Günter Voigtmann founded the company medi, then known as WeCo.

One of the first knitting machines — Production begain with just three knitting machines and specialist expertise in elastic knitting, operating from a former dance hall. One of those first knitting machines is pictured here.

First company building — Production later moved to the company’s own premises, as shown in the image, medi's first dedicated building in the St. Johannis district of Bayreuth was largely constructed by the employees themselves in 1958.

Company premises in St. Johannis — In the years that followed, the existing premises were gradually extended.

medi products stand the test of time

What began as ‘rubber stockings’ was characterised from the outset by a spirit of innovation, textile expertise and a deep understanding of medical requirements. Since then, new qualities have continually been added.

medi compression stockings — For 75 years, medi’s core competence has been medical compression. Today, the medical division also encompasses the fields of orthopaedics and foot care.

I feel better. Since 1951. 75 years of medi

medi’s anniversary: From its humble beginnings in a dance hall in Bayreuth to becoming a global player

Stability, continuity and a constant stream of fresh ideas: 75 years of the family-run business medi

Yesterday, today and tomorrow: putting people first

medi milestones

The early years of medi

Find further details about medi’s 75-year history and milestones on the medi history page.