Businessman Wolfgang Grupp contemplated self-harm - Businessman Wolfgang Grupp deliberately attempted self-harm.
**Wolfgang Grupp's Health and Trigema's Future**
Wolfgang Grupp, the 83-year-old entrepreneur and former CEO of German clothing manufacturer Trigema, is currently receiving medical care in the hospital. This news was announced several days ago, but no further statements have been made by Trigema's spokesperson since.
Grupp, born in Burladingen, a city located on the Swabian Alb (Zollernalbkreis) with a population of over 12,000, took over Trigema in 1969 from his grandfather. Under his leadership, the company grew to become a symbol of German manufacturing excellence, with all production remaining within Germany.
Grupp's unconventional marketing strategies, such as TV commercials featuring a chimpanzee newsreader promoting T-shirts and sweatshirts, gained him widespread fame. His iron-fist leadership style, combined with a strong commitment to quality and local employment, made him a respected figure in the business world.
In early 2024, Grupp stepped down as CEO and passed the leadership to his son, Wolfgang Grupp Junior, and his daughter, Bonita Grupp. Both had been involved in the company prior to taking over. The transition aimed to ensure continuity of Grupp's vision, which includes personal responsibility and a commitment to local employment.
Recently, Grupp has faced significant personal challenges. In July 2025, it was reported that he had made a suicide attempt, which sparked widespread concern about his mental health. In a letter to Trigema employees, Grupp spoke of age-related depression and expressed gratitude for what he has achieved and experienced at Trigema. He also mentioned that he has thoughts about whether he is still needed.
Trigema's production turnover in 2023 was 129.3 million euros, and the number of employees was over 1140. The company has previously stated that Grupp is doing well for his age following his hospitalization.
Grupp deeply regrets his actions and urges those suffering from depression to seek professional help and treatment. He remains a respected figure in the business world, with his influence extending beyond Trigema as he is seen as a champion of German manufacturing and a role model for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Germany.
This article has been updated multiple times since publication to reflect the latest developments in Grupp's health and Trigema's leadership. Wolfgang Grupp junior is responsible for the B2B area, sales, logistics, and IT, while Bonita handles personnel, e-commerce, and marketing. Wolfgang Grupp is a frequent guest on talk shows, where he criticizes the megalomania of some entrepreneurs and calls for personal liability for all bosses.
The police in Burladingen confirmed an incident related to Grupp, but they did not provide further details. No evidence of external involvement or a crime was found at the incident location.
Grupp's legacy continues through his children, who are now leading Trigema according to the principles he established. His commitment to local employment and quality production has created generational loyalty among employees, contributing to the stability of the local community.
- I'm not going to be able to do this anymore as I'm currently receiving medical care in the hospital, a situation that was announced some days ago.
- In the realm of education and self-development, Wolfgang Grupp can be seen as a role model, particularly for entrepreneurs and business owners who strive for personal growth.
- Entwined with his leadership style, Wolfgang Grupp, the mental-health advocate, has faced personal struggles, including an attempt at suicide reported in July 2025.
- Despite his retirement, Wolfgang Grupp's influence in the science of business remains strong, with his children, Wolfgang Grupp Junior and Bonita, continuing his legacy of Health-and-Wellness committment and financial responsibility at Trigema.
- As he navigates the challenges of aging, Wolfgang Grupp, the voice of small and medium-sized enterprises, continues to advocate for personal liability for all bosses in the finance and entrepreneurship arenas, emphasizing the importance of accepting responsibility and seeking help when needed.
