This makes HOPPECKE one of the top 100 most innovative companies in the German small and medium-sized business sector. On the 16th occasion of the renowned “Top 100” company comparison, HOPPECKE was able to make a convincing presentation of its systematic, well-conceived and correspondingly successful innovation management.

With this award Lothar Späth, former leader of the German state of Baden-Württemberg and mentor of the small and medium-sized business project, paid tribute to the achievements of HOPPECKE in the five key categories of “top-management promotion of innovation”, “climate of innovation”, “innovative processes and organisation”, “innovation marketing” and “successful innovation”. In the area of “successful innovation” we were even placed amongst the best ten participants.

Extract from the press release of the organiser
This company, with a turnover of around € 250 million in the year 2007, was distinguished especially by its exceptional climate for innovation, in which lateral thinkers are expressly desired. As a manufacturer of industrial batteries it is the number one in this sector and, thanks to the constant and innovative development of its products, has been able to maintain its hold on the market for over 80 years. A special innovative feature of the company are the interdisciplinary project groups comprised of representatives of different special fields, who work together on the development and implementation of new ideas. The management and personnel department of the German Sauerland-based company allow their employees the freedom to be creative, and encourage them in direct interviews to come forward with new suggestions. Moreover, the roughly 1400 employees throughout the world are required to take part in a training activity of the in-house HOPPECKEAcademy at least once a year. This strategy is successful, since 85% of HOPPECKE’s turnover is obtained from innovative improvements. These include for example a hybrid drive for lift trucks which is especially efficient and therefore environment-friendly.

Chief Executive Dr. Marc Zoellner:
“We are now one of the top most innovative companies among German small and medium-sized businesses. This shows us that we are on the right path.”

(from left: Dr. Bernhard Riegel, Lothar Späth, Friedhelm Nagel)

For further information:
Book “Top 100” published by Lothar Späth
Also the website www.top100.de