LPW belongs to the TOP-100 innovators in Germany

A key focus of the Riederich experts is ongoing research and development work. (Photo: LPW/compamedia)

The cleaning specialist LPW was awarded the TOP 100 seal in January (from left: Hans Hauger/R&D, Dirk Konzok/Sales Management, Gerhard Koblenzer/Management, and Christian Koblenzer/Quality and Application Engineering). This makes the company not only one of the leading providers of systems for industrial parts cleaning but also one of the TOP 100 innovators in Germany. (Photo: LPW/compamedia)

LPW Apprentices in the Process Development Laboratory: Supporting and providing high-quality training for young talent is another key component for the Swabian company's future viability. (Photo: LPW/compamedia)

A focus of the Riederich experts is continuous research and development work. (Photo: LPW/compamedia)

Since 1993, compamedia has been awarding the TOP 100 distinction for exceptional innovation strength and above-average innovation success to medium-sized companies. The scientific leadership has been in the hands of Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke since 2002. He is the founder and chairman of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Vienna University of Economics and Business. (Photo: LPW/compamedia)

LPW Cleaning Systems GmbH from Riederich in Swabia has received the TOP 100 Seal 2022 and thus convinced in the 29th round of the nationwide competition of the same name as an idea factory. Because only particularly innovative medium-sized companies in Germany are awarded this distinction.

The core of the TOP 100 innovation competition is a scientific selection process. On behalf of the organizer compamedia, the internationally renowned innovation researcher Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke and his team from the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Vienna University of Economics examined, based on five categories (Innovation-promoting Top Management, Innovation Climate, Innovative Processes and Organization, External Orientation/Open Innovation, and Innovation Success), which companies meet the criteria. Essentially, the analysis focuses on whether the innovations of the participants are merely a coincidence or are systematically planned and thus repeatable in the future. A special emphasis is placed on the question of whether and how new developments and product improvements succeed in the market.

LPW Managing Director Gerhard Koblenzer: “Industrial production is changing and requires, in addition to a corresponding new mindset, a high degree of willingness and ability to innovate. We have been facing this challenge with our great team for years – among other things, through early anticipation of the necessary change processes, continuous research, and development work.”

The Riederich cleaning specialists are among the leading providers of high-quality systems and process technologies in industrial component cleaning with aqueous media. The systems are used worldwide across all traditional industrial sectors. Gerhard Koblenzer: “With the High Purity division, we are also a sought-after partner in industries with fine and ultra-fine cleaning tasks, such as medical technology, optical, and semiconductor industries, as well as aerospace and space travel.” The LPW spectrum includes standard and customized solutions to optimize manufacturing processes regarding availability and quality. The configuration of all established, as well as new innovative cleaning and drying procedures with modular components, tailored to the respective process requirements, constitutes a clear unique selling point for the company.

Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke, Scientific Director of TOP 100: “The most innovative medium-sized companies receive the award. It shows that they are excellently prepared for future challenges.” To give all applicants equal chances, the seal is awarded in three size classes: up to 50, 51 to 200, and more than 200 employees. A total of 436 companies applied, 294 of which were successful and thus belong to this year's winners (maximum 100 per size class).

The award ceremony will take place on June 24 at the Mittelstands-Summit in Frankfurt/Main, with science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar, who has been mentoring the innovation competition for eleven years.