RK Rose+Krieger awarded as Innovation Champion

Innovation Champion: RK Rose+Krieger impresses among the TOP 100 innovators with more than 200 employees in Germany, especially in the categories "External Orientation/Open Innovation" and "Innovation Climate".

Letting go of the old and daring to try new things: Innovative medium-sized companies like RK Rose+Krieger GmbH from Minden are not afraid of change but see it as an opportunity. This convinced the company during the 27th round of the innovation competition TOP 100. RK Rose+Krieger officially belongs to the TOP 100 as of June 19. In the scientific selection process, the company impressed especially in the large company category C (more than 200 employees in Germany) in the categories "External Orientation/Open Innovation" and "Innovation Climate." RK Rose+Krieger has already been among the top innovators for the ninth time.

RK Rose+Krieger specializes in the development and sales of linear technology, profile assembly technology, as well as connection and modular technology. The solutions of the nine-time TOP 100 company, which is a subsidiary of the internationally active Phoenix Mecano AG, are primarily used in the automotive industry, medical technology, and by manufacturers of food packaging. However, to offer their customers not only mechanical products but also complete packages from a single source, the Minden-based company collaborates with partners. For example, together with the Fraunhofer Institute, the East Westphalians recently developed an automated welding cell for large stainless steel parts. "We supplied the mechanical components, and the institute provided the control system for the robot movements," explains Managing Director Hartmut Hoffmann.

Furthermore, the top innovator naturally relies on the creativity of its own approximately 240 employees. "We try to motivate each of our employees to contribute their ideas to the company. In 2019 alone, there were 90 suggestions, for four of which we registered a patent," says Hoffmann. Many small improvements ultimately lead to sustainable innovations, this is the experience of the managing director. The introduction of the innovation methods "Lean Management" and "Kaizen" in 2009 has also significantly advanced his company. An employee specifically hired for this purpose takes care of these topics.

TOP 100: the competition

Since 1993, compamedia has been awarding the TOP 100 seal for exceptional innovation strength and above-average innovation success to medium-sized companies. Since 2002, the scientific leadership has been in the hands of Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke. Franke is the founder and chairman of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. The science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar is the mentor of TOP 100. Project partners include the Fraunhofer Society for the Promotion of Applied Research and the BVMW. Media partners include manager magazin, impulse, and W&V, who accompany the company comparison. More information at www.top100.de.