Lehmann&Voss&Co. awarded for innovation leadership

Lehmann&Voss&Co. based in Hamburg is part of this year’s group of innovation leaders among German mid-size companies.

At the 24th award ceremony on June 23rd 2017 in Essen Ranga Yogeshwar, Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke and Compamedia honored the company with the TOP-100 trophy. In the independent competition Lehmann&Voss&Co. was successful in the category “innovation success”.

Lehmann&Voss&Co. combines production, distribution and trading of chemical and mineral specialties under one roof. Founded in 1894 the 4th generation family run business employs more than 550 people across the group. One strong pillar of activity is the companies production of Customized Polymer Materials, who’s innovation strength impressed the judges of the TOP – 100. In this area materials with specific properties are developed and produced allowing customers to achieve performance advantages for their products and parts. For example, low wear plastic compounds allow gears to be produced cost effectively by injection moulding instead of by the traditional metal milling process.

Across the business and especially in this business unit, the company has committed itself over the past years to invest and focus on innovation. By intensive engagement throughout the organisation in new technological trends, the products have continuously been tailored to the market needs. For instance with an American sportswear company a specific mid-sole material has been developed which is produced commercially by 3D printing and is tailored specifically for the needs of a training shoe.

„We feel honored that our commitment to innovation throughout our company has been awarded and that we are now part of the innovation elite of Germany’s mid-size companies.” comments Dr. Thomas Oehmichen, one of the groups’ managing partners. “We are proud to benefit from this dynamic attitude and feel well prepared to continue bringing innovations to the plastics industry.“ adds Dr. Alexander Sunder, Global Director of the business unit Customized Polymer Materials.

 

The Top 100 competition

Since 1993, compamedia has been awarding the Top 100 seal of approval to SMEs with a particular bility to innovate and above-average success rates for innovations. Professor Nikolaus Franke has coordinated the project since 2002. He is the founder and director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration and a visiting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is one of the world’s leading innovation researchers and has won 18 science awards and published over 200 articles. The Top 100 is mentored by science journalist and television presenter Ranga Yogeshwar and organised in partnership with the Fraunhofer Society for the Promotion of Applied Research and the German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW). manager magazin provides media support for the company benchmarking competition. Further information is available at www.top100-germany.com.