Hand tool manufacturer Wiha can now consider itself as amongst the TOP 100 most innovative companies in Germany’s SME sector. The prize was awarded by the innovation competition presenter and mentor Ranga Yogeshwar within the framework of the German SME Summit on 24 June in Essen. The competition, which was held on 23 May, involved analytical examination and the evaluation of criteria such as the innovation management and innovative success of the companies. Wiha impressed the jury with its firm commitment to its culture of innovation and is delighted to have its deep-rooted attitude to change, optimisation and progress acknowledged.
For Wiha, being awarded the TOP 100 seal is much more than the mere recognition of its innovative strength. “This is a fantastic confirmation of the strategy we uphold,” emphasises Wilhelm Hahn, Managing Director of Wiha Werkzeuge GmbH. “Innovation, continuous improvement and change are firmly anchored in our company philosophy. The company’s management itself has always been a driving force,” continues Hahn. Managing directors Wilhelm and Wilfried Hahn and Ronny Lindskog all agree that development, growth and success can only be achieved through the ability to question things, embrace creative change, or develop new ideas and innovations.
Ever since its founding in 1939, Wiha’s heart has focussed on developing, producing, and selling high-quality professional hand tool solutions for trade and industry. However, not only the countless national and international patents and design awards for their hand tool innovations serve to prove the innovative strength of the Black Forest-based manufacturer. Distinctions such as the MX Award as Germany’s best SME in 2014 and the latest quality seal from AGR e.V. (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) confirm the health-preserving effect of its screwdriver ergonomics and highlight the innovative spirit and firm dedication to optimisation and further development.
As an internationally active leader in its sector, Wiha is deeply committed to its core aim of offering users the best solutions for simplifying their daily tasks, whilst making their work more efficient and especially safeguarding them from injury. In order to remain in touch with the requirements, demands, and desires of users, Wiha regularly visits construction sites, workshops, and industrial production plants to exchange thoughts and ideas. Questions are posed, processes questioned, and risks or potential possibilities are identified “directly at source”.
During the selection process for the TOP 100, participating companies were assessed once again by Prof. Nikolaus Franke and his team at the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Vienna University of Economics and Business. Over 100 parameters in the five assessment categories of “Innovative Spirit of Senior Management”, “Innovative Climate”, “Innovative Processes and Organisation”, “Innovative Marketing/Outward Orientation”, and “Innovative Success” were analysed. Wiha is extremely proud of its distinction and the associated recognition and appreciation of its culture of innovation.
TOP 100: the competition
Compamedia has been awarding the TOP 100 seal for exceptional innovative strength and exceptional innovative success to small- and medium-sized companies since 1993. Since 2002, it has been coordinated by Prof. Nikolaus Franke from the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Vienna University of Business and Economics. Scientific journalist and TV presenter Ranga Yogeshwar is a patron of TOP 100. Project partners include the Fraunhofer Society for the Promotion of Applied Research and BVMW. manager magazine assists with the company comparison as media partner. More information is available at www.top100.de.
For Wiha, being awarded the TOP 100 seal is much more than the mere recognition of its innovative strength. “This is a fantastic confirmation of the strategy we uphold,” emphasises Wilhelm Hahn, Managing Director of Wiha Werkzeuge GmbH. “Innovation, continuous improvement and change are firmly anchored in our company philosophy. The company’s management itself has always been a driving force,” continues Hahn. Managing directors Wilhelm and Wilfried Hahn and Ronny Lindskog all agree that development, growth and success can only be achieved through the ability to question things, embrace creative change, or develop new ideas and innovations.
Ever since its founding in 1939, Wiha’s heart has focussed on developing, producing, and selling high-quality professional hand tool solutions for trade and industry. However, not only the countless national and international patents and design awards for their hand tool innovations serve to prove the innovative strength of the Black Forest-based manufacturer. Distinctions such as the MX Award as Germany’s best SME in 2014 and the latest quality seal from AGR e.V. (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) confirm the health-preserving effect of its screwdriver ergonomics and highlight the innovative spirit and firm dedication to optimisation and further development.
As an internationally active leader in its sector, Wiha is deeply committed to its core aim of offering users the best solutions for simplifying their daily tasks, whilst making their work more efficient and especially safeguarding them from injury. In order to remain in touch with the requirements, demands, and desires of users, Wiha regularly visits construction sites, workshops, and industrial production plants to exchange thoughts and ideas. Questions are posed, processes questioned, and risks or potential possibilities are identified “directly at source”.
During the selection process for the TOP 100, participating companies were assessed once again by Prof. Nikolaus Franke and his team at the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Vienna University of Economics and Business. Over 100 parameters in the five assessment categories of “Innovative Spirit of Senior Management”, “Innovative Climate”, “Innovative Processes and Organisation”, “Innovative Marketing/Outward Orientation”, and “Innovative Success” were analysed. Wiha is extremely proud of its distinction and the associated recognition and appreciation of its culture of innovation.
TOP 100: the competition
Compamedia has been awarding the TOP 100 seal for exceptional innovative strength and exceptional innovative success to small- and medium-sized companies since 1993. Since 2002, it has been coordinated by Prof. Nikolaus Franke from the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Vienna University of Business and Economics. Scientific journalist and TV presenter Ranga Yogeshwar is a patron of TOP 100. Project partners include the Fraunhofer Society for the Promotion of Applied Research and BVMW. manager magazine assists with the company comparison as media partner. More information is available at www.top100.de.
