Altmann Fördertechnik wins Bavarian Mittelstand Award 2023

Cleanroom Cranes

On June 26, the Bavarian Small and Medium-Sized Business Award 2023 was presented at the Künstlerhaus in Munich. Robert Altmann, Managing Director, and his son Maximilian Altmann from Altmann Fördertechnik accepted the award. (Photo: EWIF e.V./Alexander von Spreti, Munich)

Certificate

Altmann Medal

The award ceremony of the Bavarian Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Award 2023 took place at the Künstlerhaus in Munich. Of the 16 nominated companies, eight were honored. Altmann Fördertechnik was among the lucky winners and took home one of the award sculptures to Albaching.

The Bavarian Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Award is jointly presented by the European Economic Forum e.V., the University of Applied Management (HAM), and other partners. It recognizes companies that develop innovative products, respond quickly to changes, are sustainable, and are perceived as attractive employers — in short, companies that serve as "pillars of society" and set an example in their region. Altmann Fördertechnik entered the competition with the motto "Only physics limits us – together we overcome boundaries!" and was awarded the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Award 2023 as one of eight companies.

Seeking: Creative Product Innovations

Prof. Dr. Peter Steinhoff from the University of Applied Management and co-organizer of the award says: "The goal is to recognize companies that master special challenges with unconventional approaches." The jury, which also includes former award winners, concluded that this applies to Altmann.

The Upper Bavarian crane specialist from Chiemgau is proud to have designed, produced, and installed several spectacular custom cranes for various industries. These include the largest cleanroom cranes in the world to date: two double-girder overhead cranes with two synchronized hoists each, capable of lifting 15 tons and spanning 30 meters. The jury positively evaluated Altmann's ability to design its special cranes in close coordination with the customer and quickly adapt them to customer needs. In addition to the "Future viability and Innovation" category, where the crane manufacturer scored particularly well, three other areas were examined and assessed more closely:

– Robustness and Resilience
– Sustainability and Responsibility
– Attractiveness as an Employer

Resilient Due to High Manufacturing Depth

Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it paid off for Altmann that the company has a manufacturing depth of 70%; gears are produced entirely in-house. "We found that it is even cheaper when we produce ourselves. Even now, during the Ukraine crisis, we are largely independent of external suppliers and have the components exactly as we need them in terms of execution and quality," says Managing Director Achim Altmann.

Sustainability Is a High Priority

Thanks to a photovoltaic system and an attached cold water heat pump, Altmann Fördertechnik is able to supply energy to the plant itself. The crane manufacturer emphasizes sustainability in production; for example, scrap parts from raw material production are remelted. When choosing suppliers, the company ensures collaboration with regional firms: machining and aluminum casting are located nearby. The construction of two new manufacturing halls was carried out exclusively with local companies.

Attractive Employer in the Region

Although Altmann's customers are worldwide, the manufacturer is rooted in Albaching near Lake Chiemsee. Employee satisfaction is also shared on social networks. Employees appreciate working in a family-run company and living in a region where others go on vacation. Managing Director Robert Altmann says: "We experience with our employees that they particularly identify with the products we create and promote this. Every crane system is comprehensively tested on our test stand, and each of our employees can see with their own eyes what they have contributed to. This greatly enhances motivation." His brother Achim adds: "We are very proud that our designers set industry standards with their performance and constantly work to push the technical limits for our customers. This way, we continue to develop as a crane specialist."

Both managing directors are delighted that their role as an employer in the region has now been recognized: "Our employees share our passion for crane construction. Therefore, the entire workforce is happy with us that our work has now been awarded the Bavarian Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Award."

About the Bavarian Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Award

The Bavarian Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Award is under the patronage of President of the State Parliament Ilse Aigner and the State Minister for Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger. Since 2007, a total of 49 companies out of over 450 nominees from Bavaria have been honored. This year marked the 14th time the award was presented. Since 2021, it has been awarded by the European Economic Forum e.V., the University of Applied Management (HAM), and other partners. To qualify, a company must employ between 50 and 1,000 people, be family- or owner-managed, and be based in Bavaria.