The establishment of the AGW goes back to a constituent meeting of 13 member-enterprises on 30 November in 1950 in Essen.

During the post-war reconstruction, the AGW primarily served to promote teamwork and the exchange of knowledge concerning economic and organizational topics. Within the organization the function of the AGW was, and is still today, the representation of their member`s interests before the GdW and its member federations.

In order to create an efficient exchange of knowledge among the AGW members, it is possible to form working groups. At present, there are the following working-groups:

The director/conductor of the working groups are chosen by the AGW plenary assembly. The participation in the working groups is allowed to each member.