From a small room in a house on Esstraat in Enschede to a leading manufacturer of promotional items. A family story of innovation and passion.
Wisa Enschede BV traces its origins back to 1953, in the front room of the couple's home on Esstraat in Enschede.
This is where founder Willie Sannemann Sr. began printing his first balloons.
The idea, however, had originated several years earlier. Sannemann Sr. – the grandfather of the current director – worked as a waiter in Germany during the postwar years. At the request of the owner of the Enschede shoe store Bervoets-Vriezelaar, he brought the first printed balloons with him from his homeland.
He purchased these from the Kölnische Gummifädenfabrik in Germany and always transported his merchandise in a small box on the back of his moped to Enschede.
Photo on the right: Willie Sannemann Sr. with local balloon artists, and in the back, Willy Jr. at age 15.
“At some point, my father thought, ‘I can do that printing myself,’” says Sannemann Jr. “From that moment on, we started handling production in-house.”
However, the process was still quite a challenge back then, since a balloon can only be printed on once it has been inflated.
In the early years, a remarkable method was used for this purpose:
Inflating
This was done simply using a vacuum cleaner.
Securing
The inflated balloon was clamped shut with a clothespin.
Printing
The balloon was manually pulled over a printing plate.The family sometimes helped with this process. “As children, it was our job to remove the clothespin from the balloon. That way, every family member had their own role in the production process,” said Sannemann Jr.A few years later, the process was professionalized. The clothespin was replaced by an ingenious system featuring a bicycle wheel with a rubber band stretched across it. This kept the air in the balloon long enough for the printing ink to dry properly.
Major store openings with C&A
In the early years of our company, an important foundation was laid through our collaboration with our very first major client: C&A Brenninkmeijer. When the fashion group opened a new branch, it meant a large-scale operation for our team. We would then set out with an enthusiastic group of employees to enhance the festive atmosphere on location.
Handing out balloons was a real attraction back then. During such openings, we handed out as many as 5,000 balloons a day. The impact was enormous; at iconic locations like Coolsingel in Rotterdam, we literally saw crowds of people lining up. Passersby and customers waited patiently for a colorful balloon, creating an unforgettable atmosphere and tremendous visibility for the new store.
These early successes paved the way for the many large-scale projects that Wisa has had the privilege of carrying out since then.
Sannemann Sr. had a keen eye for the market. He quickly realized that the growing advertising world offered many more opportunities than just printing balloons.
To raise national awareness of his company and connect directly with new target groups, Wisa became a familiar face at various major trade fairs.
Whether it was the prestigious Jaarbeurs Utrecht, the regional Jaarbeurs van het Oosten, or the specialized Slavakto (the Butchers’ Trade Fair), Sannemann Sr. knew exactly where his customers were.At these trade fairs, he presented an ever-expanding range of promotional items. In addition to the familiar balloons, new products made their debut:
Handmade keychains and pins
Handcrafted giveaways that were a big hit.
Custom-printed ballpoint pens
A practical promotional gift that was very popular at the time.
The iconic piggy banks
This turned out to be a huge hit—a real crowd-pleaser—especially for butchers who liked to give their young customers a little something extra. As the well-known butcher Teekens in Utrecht said at the time, “Better to give a piggy bank as a gift than a piece of liver sausage, because I’d rather sell that!”
This smart expansion transformed Wisa from a balloon printing company into a versatile partner for business promotion.
The history of Wisa is inextricably linked to the Sannemann family. Willy was forced to join the business at the age of 15, after his father was temporarily sidelined due to illness. "Once my father had recovered, I didn't go back to LEAO," he recalls. "To be honest, I hated studying; I found the dynamics of trade much more exciting."
That passion for trade immediately bore fruit. Where production once started modestly with around 500 balloons per day, the numbers quickly rose sharply. The growth was so rapid that the house on Esstraat soon became too small.
Luckily, an opportunity arose!
ExpansionWith the purchase of the adjacent building—formerly a cardboard factory—the pressing space issues were finally resolved.
’s Local InvolvementIn the 1950s and 1960s, Wisa was also a true community-based business. The women from Esstraat were closely involved in its success and were on hand every day as skilled balloon printers.
Thanks to this extra space and help from the neighborhood, Wisa was able to make the transition from a small workshop to a full-scale production facility, especially after Sannemann purchased the neighbors’ house and garden in 1970 and was able to house the balloon printing operation there, allowing the former printing room to serve as a warehouse for the now thousands of balloons instead of just hundreds.
The success of Wisa balloons wasn’t limited to store openings and local promotions.
Before long, our products became a staple of both the national streetscape and the entertainment world. Around that time, various TV shows also discovered the creative possibilities our company had to offer. Balloons were no longer just giveaways; they were used as spectacular props that colour entire studios.
Shows like “On Land, at Sea, and in the Air” – “The Ted Show” – “The Vacation Man,” and so on; Wisa was always on location, and Han Peekel’s show “To Be Continued” brought the company even more national recognition.
This growing popularity sparked a new wave of ambition within the company.
It was time to broaden our horizons and expand internationally. To achieve this, we made a concerted effort to participate in leading international trade shows. By showcasing our innovative techniques and versatile capabilities to a global audience, we laid the foundation for the international network that defines Wisa today.
's Storage Capacity In 1976, Willy Sannemann Jr. officially took over from his father. While Willy Sr. enjoyed his well-deserved retirement, the new generation faced a huge challenge. The company was growing steadily, but the walls of the building on Esstraat weren't keeping pace.
Logistical Trial and Error
Storage capacity became a daily puzzle. The weekly production had to go somewhere, but every available square meter—including the neighbors’ former garden—was now fully occupied. Logistics on the narrow Esstraat was an operation in itself:
Traffic stops
As soon as a truck arrived to load or unload, the street had to be cordoned off on both sides with signs.
Handcraft
Everything was still unloaded by hand. While the morning was devoted to receiving shipments, by the afternoon the freight forwarders were already at the door to pick up the finished products.
The Heineken Anecdote: “Too Small for the Giant”
The most telling story from this period is the missed opportunity with Heineken. The beer giant was considering a large order but first wanted to verify whether Wisa was indeed “Heineken-worthy.”
"We spent three days cleaning our premises on Esstraat from top to bottom to make an indelible impression," recalls Willy Jr. So it was a huge disappointment when, two weeks later, a letter arrived in the mail: Heineken had decided against it after all. The reason? Wisa was simply too small for their ambitions.
This rejection was painful, but it also provided the ultimate motivation. It became painfully clear: if Wisa really wanted to compete with the big names, it needed more space and a more professional setup.
Latex, the essential raw material for our balloons, originates mainly in Southeast Asia. During one of his trips, Willy came into contact with a specialized production company in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, strategically located on the border with Singapore. This factory not only produced rubber gloves and underlays, but also specialized in balloons.
From Enschede to Malaysia
At first, the collaboration was simple: full containers of unprinted balloons arrived in Enschede, where they were printed with logos and text at our own printing facility. But the success knew no bounds.
Millions of orders
Major international customers ordered balloons in such huge quantities that the printing company in Enschede simply could no longer keep up with demand.
Relocation of machinery
To increase capacity and optimize logistics, a strategic decision was made: a significant portion of the machinery was shipped from Twente to Malaysia.
This step proved to be a stroke of genius. Production skyrocketed to an impressive volume of 30 to 40 million balloons per year, securing Wisa's place among the world's leading promotional balloon manufacturers.
"Work in my father's business? Never!" That was the firm conviction of a young Anouk Sannemann. The idea of spending all day talking to customers on the phone was something she couldn't bear to think about. But as is often the case with true entrepreneurial families, the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
From Intern to the ‘Balloon Strings’
After completing her education and gaining experience at other companies, Anouk made a surprising decision in 1993: she decided to join the family business after all.
What began as an exploratory step grew into a true passion for the trade.
Deputy Director
In 2000, she was officially appointed deputy director.
A Passion for Business
The “ins and outs of business” and strategic business dealings turned out to be right up her alley.
Leadership
With a fresh perspective and boundless energy, she quickly took firm control of the reins. Under Anouk’s leadership, the Sannemann family’s vision has been further professionalized, with the personal Twente approach always going hand in hand with international ambitions.
For years, the finishing of paper products, such as flags and skewers, was part of the general offset printing business. But demand continued to rise. Paper items had grown to become a cornerstone of our total turnover. In order to guarantee quality and cope with the enormous volumes, a strategic step was taken in March 2006: production moved to a completely new, dedicated industrial building.
Focus on Specialization
By giving the finishing process an “independent character,” the production process could be streamlined and made more efficient. In this hall, an impressive range of party supplies receives the final finishing touch:
Flags
Millions of them are manufactured here every year.
Party skewers
Huge quantities that find their way into the hospitality and events industries worldwide.
Party Horns
The party starters that undergo their final preparations here before heading out to the customer.
This specialization enabled Wisa to become not only a balloon supplier, but also a total partner in event and promotional items.
Wisa began producing party picks in 1995 with a machine developed in-house. However, after twelve years of loyal service, this pioneer was due for replacement in 2007. In March of that year, the latest fully automatic machine was put into operation, which made a world of difference to the production process.
The benefits of the new generationof
Willy Sannemann aptly summarized the impact of this investment:
Superior quality
The precision of the new machine resulted in an immediately noticeable improvement in the final product.
Unprecedented capacity
The growing demand for party picks could finally be met with ease.
Hands-free production
The entire process—from slicing to packaging—has since been fully automated.
This not only increases efficiency but also ensures optimal hygiene.
With this step, Wisa strengthened its position as market leader in the party sector, combining Twente pragmatism with state-of-the-art technology.
In early February 2008, Wisa took a major step forward in the automation of paper goods.
With the commissioning of the very latest flag-making machine—the third of its kind—production was brought up to an industrial level.
The figures behind the growth
The impact of this new machine was immediately noticeable in daily operations:
150,000 units per day
Production capacity skyrocketed, allowing Wisa to effortlessly meet even the largest orders.
Flexible delivery times
Whereas scheduling used to be a challenge, the speed of this machine made it possible to accommodate virtually any requested delivery time.
Customer Focus
The enormous demand for paper flags could be met not only more quickly, but also with even more consistent quality.
This investment laid the foundation for the company’s current position:
A partner who never has to say “no,” no matter how festive the occasion or how ambitious the promotional campaign—even if delivery is required within 24 hours.
The popularity of our party and cheese sticks grew so rapidly in 2007 that our production capacity was pushed to its limits. Despite our machines running in two full shifts, demand continued to outstrip supply. For Wisa, this was the signal to press ahead.
From turning down orders to landing million-dollar contracts
In 2008, we made the strategic decision to develop a completely new type of machine. The focus was on two key points:
Unprecedented speed
The new generation of machines drastically increased output, allowing us to eliminate the backlog.
Utmost care
Despite the higher speed, the quality of the skewers remained guaranteed; after all, every skewer had to be perfect for our customers.
Millions of orders
Whereas we previously had to turn down large orders, from that point on we were able to confirm even the most extensive requests with a short lead time.
This innovation transformed Wisa from a manufacturer trying to keep up with demand to a partner capable of fulfilling millions of orders at the touch of a button.
The world of promotional products is constantly changing, and the demands for balloon printing have become increasingly stringent. Whereas simple logos used to be the norm, customers now requested complex designs and color gradients. Wisa responded to this demand by introducing the unrivaled High Quality Precision Print balloon printing system .
Vibrant and razor-sharp
With this innovative printing technique, we pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on a balloon.
Up to 8 print colors
Where standard systems are often limited, we can colours up to 8 colours for a rich and vibrant result.
Full Color (CMYK)
By using the CMYK color model, we can reproduce halftone images and photos with nearly 100% accuracy.
Crystal-clear details
With this system, logos with fine lines or color gradients are positioned with razor-sharp precision on the balloon, without any loss of quality when inflated.
Whether it’s a complex corporate logo or a detailed image, this state-of-the-art balloon printing technology will give your brand the look it deserves.
The new year began with more than just a toast. It marked the moment when our balloon production took a huge leap forward with the introduction of a fully automated feeder, which required only minimal supervision by an employee.
The missing link
It was this investment that truly made the new printing system powerful. The feeder ensured perfect streamlining:
Maximum speed
While the printing system was already capable of photographic quality, the automatic feeder ensured that this could now be achieved at industrial speeds.
Optimal efficiency
Manual data entry is a thing of the past, allowing us to process large print runs in record time without compromising on precision.
Fully operational
As of now, Europe’s most advanced balloon pressure line is running at full capacity in Enschede.
This milestone underscores what the company stands for: combining the highest graphic standards with the massive capacity our customers need.
For a long time, the production of flags in Format C was a process in which human hands were indispensable for attaching the sticks. Although this craftsmanship made Wisa great, growing international orders called for a technological solution.
Reached the 190,000 mark
We developed a machine in-house that completely took over this specific process.
The result was a massive increase in scale:
Fully automated processing
The new machine for this flag size can independently attach a pole to approximately 40,000 flags per day.
Unprecedented daily production
By automating this final step, total production capacity rose to an astonishing 190,000 flags in three different Size day.
Consistent Quality
Automation means not only speed, but also an extremely consistent finish.
Every flag leaves the factory with exactly the same precision.
With this innovation, we demonstrate that even the most challenging manual tasks can be transformed into efficient, fully automated processes. This allows us to guarantee the shortest possible lead times, even for extremely large orders.
The market is changing and demand for personalized presentation materials with extremely short delivery times is growing. To meet this need, we have expanded our graphics department in Enschede with our own production line for cardboard signs.
Why choose Wisa signs?
By keeping production entirely in-house, we offer advantages that are unique in the industry.
Speed is the standard
No long shipping times from abroad. We manufacture and print right here in Enschede, allowing us to guarantee the shortest possible delivery times.
Four Popular Size
Whether it’s a small dessert plate or a sturdy plate for a main course, we produce them in 4 different Size suit any event.
High-quality printing
The logo or design is applied with graphic precision, ensuring that the signs blend seamlessly with the rest of your branding.
Sustainable & Responsible
Just like our flags and balloons, these signs are also produced with the environment in mind, in line with current standards for sustainable catering.
Flexibility for any event
From business openings to large-scale festivals, our cardboard signs are the perfect combination of practical convenience and powerful marketing. Thanks to our local production in Twente, “ordering too late” has become nearly impossible.
Food is big business. With the popularity of luxury burgers and product-related marketing, we saw a new opportunity. Our years of experience with party picks formed the ideal basis for a new step: the hamburger pick.
From concept to operation in record time
Because we understand the technology and the market, we developed a specialized machine in-house. This line has been fully operational and highly successful since August 2016.
Sturdy & eye-catching
Our burger skewers are longer and sturdier than standard party skewers, perfect for holding even the most generously topped burgers in place.
Branding on the plate
In an age when guests photograph their food for social media, a personalized skewer is the most effective way to showcase your brand name.
Quick turnaround
Thanks to our in-house machine development, we can offer the high volumes and fast delivery times that customers have come to expect from Wisa Enschede for this product line as well.
Whether it's a local burger joint or an international fast food chain, our hamburger picks add the finishing touch that makes a product instantly recognizable.
After 50 years of putting his heart and soul into running the business, the time has come for Willy Sannemann to finally hand over the reins. The man who once started out as a "junior" is now the experienced senior member of the company. Upon reaching the age of 65, he is transferring the management and co-ownership to his daughter, Anouk.
A familiar face, a breath of fresh air
Although the transition is now official, Anouk is anything but a newcomer.
Experience since 1993
Since 1993, she has been a driving force within the family business.
Director since 2000
For many years, she has been in charge of day-to-day operations, proving her ability to combine Wisa’s traditions with modern perspectives.
A New Direction
Under her leadership, a breath of fresh air is sweeping through the company. With a keen eye for digitalization and process optimization, she demonstrates that the younger generation not only masters the ins and outs of the trade but also takes it to the next level.
“It is an honor to build on the foundation that my father laid 50 years ago. We maintain the down-to-earth attitude and quality of Twente, but look to the future of promotional items with a fresh, modern perspective.”
Because food is booming, demand for cardboard cups has also risen. European suppliers failed to meet agreements and delivery times, which was completely unacceptable in the Wisa segment. In the summer of 2017, the company acquired its own machines. At the end of February 2018, the third machine for cups was put into operation, now for the so-called "Double Wall." These double-walled cups are ideal for hot drinks due to their strong insulating properties.
While Anouk steers Wisa’s course with a steady hand, the need for a strong leader to handle operational matters has grown. To support the company’s ambitious growth, the decision was made to strengthen the core of the business. Her partner, Folkert Brink, has taken on the role of general manager effective immediately.
Expertise and Support
Folkert brings a wealth of commercial and operational experience to Enschede.
Experienced Account Manager
With his background as an account manager, he understands better than anyone else how important customer relationships and logistical precision are.
Operational Anchor
In his new role, he takes the pressure off Anouk in all aspects of day-to-day operations. This gives Anouk the freedom to focus entirely on the strategic innovation of our graphics department and product lines.
Shared Vision
As partners, Anouk and Folkert share not only their personal lives, but now also a shared vision for the future of the company.
With this expansion of the management team, the balance between creativity, production, and general affairs has been optimally restored, setting the company on track for the next phase of growth and professionalization.
It’s almost impossible to order a snack platter without coming across a Wisa skewer. With 34 years of experience and an annual production of many millions of units, we’ve perfected our processes down to the last detail. Our newest machine is now up and running and is setting a new standard in the industry.
High-tech manufacturing vs. handcrafted production
While skewers are sometimes still produced by hand in the Far East, we have consciously chosen a different path. Our automated production facility in Enschede offers decisive advantages.
Impeccable hygiene
Unlike manual production, our process takes place in a strictly controlled, hygienic environment. For the food industry, this is not a luxury, but a requirement.
Consistent quality
Machines don’t make mistakes due to fatigue. Every skewer is equally straight, sharp, and splinter-free.
Local Strength
By keeping production in-house, we always outperform imports from the Far East in the most important areas: quality control, hygiene, and reliability. With us, you know exactly where your promotional materials come from.
At Wisa, we’re always looking for ways to do things faster, better, and more efficiently. Our journey toward the full automation of hamburger skewer production reached a major milestone in 2021. What began as a vision in 2016 is now a high-speed reality at our production facility.
From concept to high-speed production
The development of our unique hamburger skewer machine was a process involving years of craftsmanship:
2016
The first steps toward fully automated production are being taken.
2020/2021
In close collaboration with a specialized engineering firm, a custom machine is designed. Not a standard solution, but a machine specifically tailored to meet high-quality requirements.
The official launch. With an impressive production capacity of 50,000 units per day, we can guarantee fast turnaround times even for the largest orders.
What does this mean for you?
This investment in our own technology translates directly into benefits for our customers:
Unprecedented speed
Large volumes are no longer a challenge; we deliver when others have yet to begin.
Consistent precision
Every skewer meets exactly the same specifications, making them perfect for automated processing or presentation in the food service industry.
Food Safety
By minimizing human intervention during the production process, we guarantee the highest standards of hygiene.
Presentation is everything in the restaurant industry. With the latest addition to the Wisa food collection, you can take your restaurant’s branding to the next level. Our printed bamboo gun-shaped containers and wooden cutlery combine a natural look with the power of your brand.
Bamboo Gunshapes: The hospitality industry’s favorite.
These stylish FSC®-certifiedskewers are not only sustainable but also the perfect canvas for your logo.
Multicolor Printing
We can even print your logo in multiple colours maximum brand impact.
Double-sided result
Choose between single- or double-sided printing so your company name is visible from every angle.
Natural look
The bamboo finish instantly gives your appetizers or burgers a high-quality and eco-friendly look.
A Must-Have: Personalized Wooden Cutlery
Complete the experience with wooden knives, forks, and spoons. Not anonymous disposable cutlery, but an extension of your marketing:
• Customizable with your company name or slogan.
• Splinter-free, sturdy, and fully biodegradable.
• An essential accessory for food trucks, catering services, and high-end takeout concepts.
The choices are endless! Whether it’s a subtle logo on a cocktail stick or a full cutlery set personalized with your name, we’ll bring your vision to life with the precision you’ve come to expect from us.
Continuity and personal commitment are at the heart of Wisa. We are proud to introduce the new generation of our family business: Tom Sannemann (23). His arrival in 2024 ensures that our “empire” retains its familiar family character and strengthens our operational capabilities for the future.
Focus on logistics and coordination
Tom plays a crucial role within the organization to ensure our growth stays on track. He is responsible for two key departments:
Transport & Shipping
In a world where fast delivery is essential, Tom ensures tight control over all our outbound goods flows.
Remote Work Support
A unique aspect of the company. Tom coordinates the delivery and pickup for our home-based workers, ensuring the quality and progress of our manual processes.
Why this matters to our customers
The fact that Wisa remains a family-owned business means short lines of communication, a high level of commitment, and a vision that looks beyond just tomorrow.
With Tom on board, we are investing in:
Reliability
Stable leadership for the coming decades.
Efficient logistics
Optimized shipping and transportation processes.
Community engagement
The preservation of our valuable home-based work support department.
Standing still means falling behind. Due to the explosive growth in demand for personalized hospitality products, our graphics department was literally bursting at the seams. To continue ensuring our high standards, we set up an entirely new department in record time.
Room for innovation and speed
The renovation was necessary to accommodate the latest generation of printing and finishing machines. With this expansion, we have fully optimized the workflow:
Optimized layout
The new space is designed so that semi-finished and finished products never get in each other’s way.
Maximum machine capacity
Thanks to the additional floor space, we can run more machines simultaneously, which drastically reduces turnaround time.
Fast turnaround
What used to be a logistical challenge is now a streamlined process. Your order moves from design to production faster than ever before.
How does this affect you?
Our physical growth directly translates into a better customer experience:
Shorter lead times
Greater capacity means we can respond quickly even during peak periods.
Greater precision
The new environment provides the perfect conditions for our advanced equipment.
Flexibility
We now have the capacity to handle even larger volumes and more complex projects with ease.
Ready to get started?
Our experts are ready and waiting in our newly redesigned environment to bring your logo to life on our products with the utmost care.
Thanks to our investment in state-of-the-art high-tech printers, we are now able to meet your needs with even greater flexibility. From now on, we will be producing paper carrier bags and printed napkins entirely in-house. The big advantage? You’ll benefit from super-fast turnaround times and the ability to order even in small quantities, so that even a small party can be a big one.
Custom-printed paper bags
Give your customers a professional impression to take home. Our shopping bags are versatile and practical:
Handle Options
Choose between a twisted handle (luxurious look) or a flat handle (functional).
Various Size
From small gift bags to large shopping bags.
Special Catering EditionFeatures an extra-wide base, ideal for safely transporting meals and catering boxes.
Printed napkins with 100% photo-quality printing
Whether it’s a company logo, an anniversary photo, or a birthday message, our new printing technology enables 100% photo-quality printing.
No need to keep large inventories
You order exactly what you need, making it ideal for one-time events or temporary promotions.
Top-quality materials:
Tissue
The classic, soft choice for any event.
Airlaid
Our premium quality: thicker, sturdier, and with the luxurious look of fabric.
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