Werner Schmid GmbH Wins the 2019 Grand Prize for Medium-Sized Businesses

The coveted business award recognizes sustainable business practices, investment in securing the company’s future, and commitment to the region

On the evening of September 14, 2019, Werner Schmid GmbH, a long-established company based in Fulda, was awarded the “Grand Prize for Medium-Sized Businesses.” “Germany’s most coveted business award” (DIE WELT) has been presented by the Oskar Patzelt Foundation in Leipzig for 25 years; since 2003, it has been awarded nationwide across 12 competition regions. Companies are evaluated not only on the basis of business metrics but also through a holistic approach that takes into account the company’s innovative strength, customer focus, and market positioning, as well as its social commitment and role in society.

Companies cannot apply for the award themselves but must be nominated by associations or institutions. Werner Schmid GmbH has been nominated every year since 2016 by the Fulda Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and was honored as a “finalist” as early as 2017. In 2019, 5,399 companies were nominated nationwide, 307 of them in the Hesse competition region. From among the nominated companies, a panel of experts selected six finalists and three award winners – including Werner Schmid GmbH. In addition to the company’s commitment to the region, particularly in the area of inclusion and support for disadvantaged youth, the jury especially highlighted its investments in securing the long-term future of its location, our research activities – which have intensified in recent years – and our workplace health management program.

Managing Directors Matthias and Joachim Hauß were delighted: “It is a great honor to receive this award. We are very proud that we were able to stand out among so many outstanding companies and bring the award to Fulda. We are particularly pleased that the SME Award places a strong emphasis on corporate responsibility and contributions to society. For us, our commitment to the region has always been at the heart of Werner Schmid.” The brothers also view the award as confirmation of the strong foundation of their small-to-medium-sized enterprise. “Werner Schmid GmbH has established itself as a reliable supplier of technically sophisticated metal and plastic molded parts. We owe this above all to the technological expertise, innovative strength, and dedication of our employees. This award is therefore a credit to the entire workforce.”

Werner Schmid GmbH has been headquartered in Fulda, Hesse, since its founding in 1946. For over 70 years, it has been manufacturing stamped and formed metal parts, and for more than 40 years, it has also been producing injection-molded plastic parts. High-quality metal-plastic hybrid assemblies round out the company’s product portfolio. The tools and injection molds required for this are designed and manufactured in the company’s in-house toolmaking department. Werner Schmid GmbH’s customers come from numerous industries, but primarily from the automotive industry and the measurement and control technology sectors.