KERN_TOP100 [Image of the award ceremony]Simon Eickholt and Sebastian Guggenmos, Managing Directors of KERN Microtechnik, are pleased about the award as TOP 100 companies.Pictures: KERN Microtechnik GmbH
On the evening of June 28, 2019, the jury of the TOP 100 competition together with their mentor Ranga Yogeshwar honored Germany's 100 most innovative medium-sized companies. And Simon Eickholt and Sebastian Guggenmos, managing directors of KERN Microtechnology, received their award for the process they implemented for innovations at KERN. Their gratitude went to the jury and their employees alike: "We are very pleased that the standards we have for innovation have received such a remarkable attention from independent reviewers and we look forward to a lively exchange with other top innovators."
Innovations are synonymous with securing the future for companies in many different industries. Therefore, KERN Microtechnik GmbH, Eschenlohe, Bavaria/Germany invests a lot in the wealth of ideas of its employees and keeps ideas and innovations structured and clear. The innovation management of the manufacturer of high-precision machining centers is not limited to the operative business, but also includes the strategic development to the same extent.
For Simon Eickholt, Commercial Director, it goes without saying that appropriate commitment is promoted at all levels: "In total, we invest approximately 20 percent of our annual turnover in innovation projects. Naturally, not everything can yield immediate profits. However, since we generate about half of our total turnover with market innovations, we know very well how important and correct this strategy is. "
The two company executives see a mix of measures as decisive for their excellent success. One of the important factors is the intensive exchange with customers and cooperation with international universities and colleges. Sebastian Guggenmos, Technical Director, explains: "We work with around 60 chairs worldwide. The scientists are inspired by our mechanical engineering as well as we are inspired by their feedback to break new ground.
"How these paths can look like becomes clear in a new development - the KERN Micro HD. This machining center, which will be introduced for the first time at the EMO 2019, reflects the innovative strength of this TOP 100 company. The first production machines are being used by KERN's own contract manufacturing facility in Murnau, Upper-Bavaria. The central goal and result of the new TOP machine is formulated by Sebastian Guggenmos: "Our customers as well as KERN differentiate themselves from the market through high productivity and profitability. With the Micro HD, we are pushing the limits of the hitherto possible and proof that we are one of the most innovative companies in Germany. "