The other Germany: innovative strength and hidden champions – 46 SMEs from mechanical and plant engineering are also there

💡 Germany is known for its strong economy and its world-leading industries, especially in mechanical and plant engineering. But the real drivers of this innovative strength often go unnoticed: the so-called “hidden champions”. These medium-sized companies are characterized by their high level of innovation and occupy leading international positions in niche markets. In 2024, 46 companies from this sector will once again be in the spotlight as they have received the prestigious TOP 100 seal.

🏅 The TOP 100 seal: A sign of outstanding innovative ability

At the beginning of 2024, a total of 287 companies in Germany received the coveted TOP 100 seal , which was awarded to them for their innovative spirit and strength. This is a sign that these companies not only want to preserve the past, but also actively shape the future. They consciously break with traditional approaches and develop bold, new ideas that help them assert themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

What is particularly noteworthy here is the importance of innovative strength in today's corporate world. Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke, the scientific director of the TOP 100 competition, emphasizes that only those who anticipate the changes can be successful in the long term. This statement underscores that innovation is more than just a temporary competitive advantage - it is perhaps the most important business skill of the 21st century.

🔍 A differentiated evaluation process

The awarding of the TOP 100 seal is based on a detailed analysis of the innovation management of the participating companies. More than 100 criteria in five categories are taken into account, including the promotion of innovation through management, innovation climate, innovative processes and methods, external orientation/open innovation and innovation success. This comprehensive approach ensures that only those companies are honored that not only shine through individual successes, but also continuously and systematically develop innovative solutions.

One of the crucial questions in the assessment is whether innovations are the result of a structured and planned approach and whether these innovations can survive on the market in the long term. In a globalized and dynamic economy, it is crucial that companies align their innovation strategies with long-term success and develop repeatable processes that can also meet future market requirements.

👥 Three size classes – equal opportunities for everyone

In order to ensure equal opportunities between companies of different sizes, the TOP 100 seal is awarded in three different categories, which are based on the number of employees: up to 50 employees, between 51 and 200 employees and more than 200 employees. This enables smaller, agile start-ups as well as established medium-sized companies and larger market leaders to demonstrate their innovative strength.

📈 Growth through innovation: The TOP 100 companies as pioneers

A standout feature of the TOP 100 companies is their ability to always stay one step ahead of the competition. On average, these companies grow 14 percentage points faster than the industry average. This shows that a strong culture of innovation not only improves competitiveness but also promotes direct growth.

The innovative strength of this year's award winners is particularly remarkable: between 2020 and 2022, they received a total of 786 national and 2,087 international patents - a clear sign of their global relevance and technological leadership. In addition, 82 of this year's TOP 100 companies are national and 29 are global market leaders in their respective niches.

🏆 Employee successes and cost savings through innovation

The innovative strength of the TOP 100 companies is also reflected in their economic success. By incorporating their employees' creative ideas, these companies were able to increase their sales by an average of 3.1 percent in 2022. This underlines that a corporate culture that promotes innovation not only produces new products and services, but also directly contributes to the company's success.

Another advantage of these innovation processes is the significant reduction in operating costs. Thanks to the implementation of new, more efficient processes, the TOP 100 companies were able to reduce their overall costs by an average of 7.8 percent. This shows that innovation is not only a driver for growth, but also for cost efficiency.

🛠️ Creating new jobs through innovation

The innovative strength of the TOP 100 companies not only has a positive impact on their financial performance, but also on the labor market. Over the next three years, these companies plan to create a total of 17,400 new jobs. This underlines the importance of innovation as a driver for employment and economic growth in Germany.

🥇 The best of the best: The “Innovator of the Year”

There is another special award within the TOP 100 companies: the “Innovator of the Year”. In a further selection round, the three best companies in each size category were determined. These companies managed to assert themselves in a highly competitive environment and convince the jury with their innovative approaches.

The companies that won the title “Innovator of the Year” are at the forefront of the innovation landscape in Germany. They are a role model for other companies that also want to strengthen their innovation processes and improve their market position. These companies have shown that a strong culture of innovation is not only possible but also essential to survive in an increasingly globalized and digitalized market.

🔑 Innovative power as the key to success

The award for the TOP 100 companies in 2024 impressively shows that innovation still plays a central role in the German economy. Especially in mechanical and plant engineering, a sector that is traditionally considered the backbone of German industry, it is the hidden champions who shine through their innovative strength. These companies have understood that they can only be successful in the long term through continuous development and courageous decisions.

Innovation is not just a short-term competitive advantage, but the key to sustainable growth and success. The TOP 100 companies show that a strong culture of innovation not only leads to new products and services, but also strengthens the entire organization, reduces costs and creates new jobs. It remains to be seen what further success these companies will achieve in the coming years - but one thing is certain: the innovative strength of these hidden champions will continue to play a decisive role in Germany's economic success.

🎉 The three best companies in each size class made it to another selection round. The jury then determined the final order for each size class with the “Innovator of the Year” coming first. These medium-sized companies made it to the podium:

🚀 Size class of companies with up to 50 employees:

1) Trailer Dynamics GmbH, 52249 Eschweiler
2) rising systems AG, 40597 Düsseldorf
3) EintrachtTech GmbH, 60528 Frankfurt am Main

🏅 Size class of companies with 51 to 200 employees:

1) AUMÜLLER AUMATIC GmbH, 86672 Thierhaupten
2) attempto GmbH & Co. KG, 82041 Oberhaching
3) Neodigital Versicherung AG, 66386 St. Ingbert

🌟 Size class of companies with more than 200 employees:

1) FENECON GmhH, 94469 Deggendorf
2) IPG Automotive GmbH, 76137 Karlsruhe
3) DATASEC information factory GmbH, 57072 Siegen

🔧💡 The most innovative companies in the mechanical and plant engineering industry shine in the heart of German medium-sized businesses. These companies have distinguished themselves through exceptional creativity, technological advances and entrepreneurial courage. Their innovative spirit and their ability to constantly reinvent themselves have made them outstanding players who have a significant impact not only on the industry, but also on Germany's future economy. In our overview we present the pioneering medium-sized companies that stand out for their special achievements and inventiveness. Discover the pioneers and their impressive successes:

• A & D packaging machine construction from Weißensberg
• A M T Schmid from Sauldorf
• AFS air filter systems from Übrigshausen
• Andreas Stihl from Waiblingen
• Baljer & Zembrod from Altshausen
• Bergmann & Steffen from Spenge
• Bikon technology from Neuss
• Burger Group from Schonach in the Black Forest
• Cab product technology from Karlsruhe
• Christian Maier from Heidenheim
• Eisele from Waiblingen
• EITEC guideway protection systems from Schweitenkirchen
• Engmatec from Radolfzell
• Evosys Laser from Erlangen
• Expresso from Kassel
• EYPro Mugrauer & Schnele from Neresheim
• Finke group from Altenbeken
• Gram technology from Ditzingen
• Helmerding hiw machines from Bad Oeynhausen
• HET filter from Altenstadt
• HSR from Neukirchen-Vluyn
• IBG Automation from Neuenrade
• Just Vacuum from Landstuhl
• Kern Microtechnik from Eschenlohe
• Konrad Pumpe from Sendenhorst
• Life damping technology from Schwabsoien
• Leistritz Aktiengesellschaft from Nuremberg
• LMT Tools from Lahr
• MehrTec from Müsch
• Michael Glatt mechanical engineering from Abensberg
• Montratec from Dauchingen
• Mosca from Waldbrunn
• Othmerding mechanical engineering from Ascheberg
• Pink GmbH Thermosysteme from Wertheim
• Plasma treatment from Steinhagen
• ProDEKon sheet metal technology from Gütersloh
• Prominent from Heidelberg
• Riftec from Geesthacht
• Tailor from Fronhausen
• Sera from Immenhausen
• Soma from Schalksmühle
• Sta sound engineering systems from Hamm
• Proudly rolling up technology from Herdwangen-Schönach
• WDT – Werner Dosiertechnik from Wertingen
• Wipotec from Kaiserslautern
• Wolftechnik filter systems from Weil der Stadt

🏗️ History and success in times of crisis

German mechanical and plant engineering is recognized worldwide as a leading export and innovation sector. With a long tradition and expertise in the development and manufacture of high-tech products, the sector has established itself as the backbone of German industry. Machines and systems “Made in Germany” are a synonym for quality, precision and reliability. This has led to German companies becoming global leaders in numerous industries, from automobile production to energy generation.

Mechanical engineering in Germany – Image/PDF: Xpert.Digital

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📈 Continuous growth despite crises

Over the last few decades, mechanical engineering has been characterized by continuously increasing demand and sustainable production growth. What is particularly striking is the industry's ability to remain resilient in times of crisis. This was impressively demonstrated during the global financial crisis of 2008/2009, when the entire global economy was under considerable pressure. Mechanical and plant engineering was able to overcome the decline in orders relatively quickly and prepare for a sustained recovery. The response to the corona pandemic, which led to massive economic cuts worldwide from 2020, was even more impressive. Despite the difficult global conditions, the industry proved surprisingly resilient and quickly returned to its former strength.

🖥️ The digital change

A key reason for this success lies in the industry's ability to continually face new challenges and respond flexibly to changes. In recent years, this has primarily been the digital change that has affected almost every industry, including traditional mechanical and plant engineering. Digitalization has set in motion a comprehensive transformation process. Through the use of modern information technologies and automation, production processes become more efficient, flexible and precise. Intelligent factories, also known as “smart factories”, have become increasingly established. These highly connected production systems use real-time data to optimize production flow and identify sources of errors more quickly.

🛠️ Challenges of digitalization

Despite the many advantages that digitalization brings, it is not without its challenges. A key problem is the shortage of skilled workers, which has worsened in recent years. The introduction of digital production systems requires highly qualified workers who have both technical know-how and IT knowledge. Germany has been struggling for years with a growing shortage of skilled workers, particularly in the technical and engineering sectors. Many companies therefore have to invest increasingly in the further training of their employees in order not to lose touch with digital transformation.

Suitable for:

• Business risk for companies: shortage of workers, shortage of skilled workers and shortage of young talent – ​​data, facts & figures
• Handelsblatt: SME tips from B2B and digital expert Konrad Wolfenstein for smart innovations, cost reductions and against a shortage of skilled workers

🔐 Protection against cyber attacks

Another problem that comes with digitalization is protection against cyber attacks. In an increasingly connected world, the threat of cybercrime is constantly increasing. Production systems that are connected to the Internet in real time offer potential points of attack for hackers. Protecting these sensitive infrastructures has become one of the industry's top priorities. Companies invest significant amounts in IT security to protect their production processes from attacks and to ensure the security of their data.

🌍 Benefits of digital transformation

Nevertheless, the advantages of digital transformation outweigh the disadvantages. Smart factories can increase efficiency and reduce production costs while increasing flexibility. For example, it is possible to implement individual customer requests more quickly and precisely, which is a decisive advantage in a global competitive environment. The ability to deliver tailor-made solutions has made German mechanical and plant engineering an important partner for industries around the world. This flexibility and innovative strength are crucial to being able to survive in the increasingly globalized and digitalized world economy.

🌿 Sustainable transformation of the industry

In addition, mechanical and plant engineering plays a central role in the sustainable transformation of the industry. In the face of climate change and the increasing need to reduce CO2 emissions, companies are developing increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. Energy-efficient machines, resource-saving production processes and innovative recycling technologies are just a few examples of how the industry can contribute to solving global environmental problems. The trend towards sustainable production will continue to grow in the coming years, as both legal requirements and growing environmental awareness among consumers drive demand for such technologies.

🚀 Future prospects

Despite the many challenges facing the industry, German mechanical and plant engineering remains well positioned to continue to play a leading role in the global economy in the future. The ability to constantly reinvent yourself and develop innovative solutions is one of the industry's greatest strengths. By combining traditional engineering and state-of-the-art technology, German mechanical engineering is ideally equipped to meet the challenges ahead.

🌐 Global competition and sustainable production

Digitalization, international competition and the growing pressure to produce more sustainably will continue to be central issues in the future. But the German mechanical engineering industry has shown that it is up to these challenges. Their innovative strength, coupled with a strong industrial base and well-trained specialists, will ensure that Germany remains a world-leading manufacturer of machines and systems in the coming decades.

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