Ziehl-Abegg, a leading high-tech company, has been awarded the prestigious Manufacturing Excellence (MX) Award. The award recognizes the company’s innovation, vertical integration, and steadfast commitment to digitalization, sustainability, and process enhancement.
This honor is granted annually by the Institute for Technology and Management at the Technical University of Berlin, in partnership with organizations such as the VDMA (German Engineering Federation), the University of St. Gallen’s IMU, and the WZL at RWTH Aachen. The MX Award is one of the most esteemed industrial recognitions in the German-speaking world, celebrating companies that set the bar in manufacturing and production management. Ziehl-Abegg stood out in the Quality Management category for its deeply integrated manufacturing processes and cutting-edge digital tools, such as the Shopfloor Cockpit and a fully automated SMD assembly line featuring intelligent optical inspection.
“This recognition is a strong endorsement of our production strategy,” stated Joachim Ley, CEO of Ziehl-Abegg. “We blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, always striving for continuous improvement in efficiency and sustainability.”
The jury particularly commended Ziehl-Abegg’s commitment to a culture of continuous improvement, from the shop floor to the executive suite. The company not only embraces advanced technologies but also takes a comprehensive approach to operational excellence. The jury also highlighted Ziehl-Abegg’s dedication to a zero-defect philosophy, using state-of-the-art quality assurance methods. The company’s close collaboration with suppliers and its shift toward deeper employee engagement were identified as key factors in sustaining long-term quality.
“This award is personally meaningful to me,” added Mr Ley. “As COO, operational excellence in manufacturing has always been my focus. The dedication our teams show in upholding this high standard is a source of pride and gratitude.”
The MX Award further solidifies Ziehl-Abegg’s position as a technology leader in ventilation, control, and drive technologies. The company’s combination of deep technical expertise, biomimetic product designs, and a sustainability-driven manufacturing strategy lays the groundwork for its ongoing success.
Marcus Engel, Head of the Electronics Plant at Ziehl-Abegg, accepted the award in Berlin on behalf of the company. In his speech, he remarked, “The MX Award is not the final goal but an important milestone. We’re committed to continuing to innovate, alongside our employees, partners, and customers.”
Ziehl-Abegg (based in Künzelsau, Germany) is a global leader in ventilation, control, and drive technology. In the 1950s, the company pioneered modern fan drives with external rotor motors, which remain the standard worldwide. The company also produces electric motors for various applications, including elevators and medical devices such as CT scanners.
Ziehl-Abegg is known for its strong innovation capabilities. As of 2024, the company employs 2,800 people at its production facilities in southern Germany and has a global workforce of 5,300, spread across 17 production sites, 30 companies, and 114 sales offices. The company’s products, numbering approximately 30,000, are sold in over 100 countries, generating a turnover of 893 million euros. Founded in 1910 by Emil Ziehl in Berlin, the company moved its headquarters to southern Germany after World War II. Ziehl-Abegg SE remains a family-owned business and is not publicly listed.
