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Zwiesel Kristallglas ranks among Germany’s top innovators
Zwiesel Kristallglas AG is one of the 100 most innovative companies in Germany's SME sector. This is the finding of this year’s nationwide comparison of companies, the “Top 100”. As part of the economic initiative, innovation management in SME sector companies was surveyed in 2007 for what is now the 15th time. On the evening of 22nd June, Zwiesel Kristallglas AG was crowned by Lothar Späth, the former minister-president of the state of Baden-Württemberg, at a ceremony in Stuttgart’s Phönixhalle. |
Stuttgart, 22.06.2007 – At the awards ceremony, Lothar Späth, mentor of the SME project, highlighted Zwiesel Kristallglas AG's success in all five key categories: “Innovation Success”, “Climate of Innovation”, “Innovative Processes and Organisation”, “Innovation-Promoting Top Management” and “Innovation Marketing”. “In the ‘Innovation Success’ category, Zwiesel Kristallglas AG was among the absolute top ten,” said Späth, illustrating the glass specialists' excellent rankings.
Zwiesel Kristallglas AG earned top marks for its outstanding innovative strength not least through the development of its internationally patented brand “Tritan®”, which was created in cooperation with the University of Erlangen. Dazzlingly brilliant and shatterproof, these crystal glasses from Zwiesel are equally at home in the professional sector as they are in private households. When it comes to new developments, the demands of customers play a crucial role for the glass manufacturers from the Bayerische Wald region. This is why the world market leader for crystal glass in the high-end restaurants, bars and hotels sector works closely with international star chefs and sommeliers, as well as trade retailers. This strategy has certainly proven its success. With its innovative materials and products, the SME sector company has even made a name for itself on the international stage. The seal of quality, “Made in Germany”, is something this global player remains true to, however. It strongly believes in Germany and with more than 550 staff, it is the biggest employer in the Bayerische Wald region.
The two directors, Dr. Robert Hartel and Dr. Andreas Buske, have created a modern SME culture at Zwiesel Kristallglas AG. They were quick to deploy a consistent brand policy and rely on strong partnerships with trade stockists and bars, hotels and restaurants. This strategy first set the company on the road to success back in 2002. Dr. Hartel and Dr. Buske have been honoured with numerous awards for their exemplary loyalty to Germany as a business location, coupled with their brave and successful remediation concept. Last year, for example, the business magazine “impulse” crowned them “Turnarounders of the Year 2006”.
“With the successful reintroduction of the traditional brand Jenaer Glas in the spring of this year, we’ve rounded off our brand portfolio to create a harmonious trinity. Together with our strong Schott Zwiesel and Zwiesel 1872 brands, we are thus advancing towards our goal of becoming a full-range supplier,” says Dr. Andreas Buske, describing the company's future. “We will continue to expand our role as technical pioneer and innovation leader in the production of drinking glasses,” adds Dr. Robert Hartel, “and secure long-term jobs as a result.”