EXTE Group receives “TOP 100” seal

More than 100 test criteria in five categories were examined in the medium-sized innovation competition: For the first time, EXTE was awarded the “TOP 100” seal. “We are delighted to receive the Innovation Prize, which was awarded to our entire group of companies,” says Dan Friedl, managing partner of EXTE: “This is a great confirmation of our consistent development and also of the spirit of innovation we have lived in at our locations. ”

In the TOP 100 competition, only companies with outstanding innovative strength and above-average innovation successes are selected. The fact that EXTE has now received the coveted seal also makes the approximately 400 employees of the medium-sized family business at the three German locations proud. In the previous innovation analysis, EXTE scored points as a specialist in roller shutter box systems and construction profiles (Wipperfürth and Köthen) as well as formwork accessories (Nienburg). In the scientific selection process, the group of companies prevailed in several ways — and is therefore one of the top innovators in 2024.

Convincing innovation management

For this purpose, the categories “innovation-promoting top management, innovation climate, innovative processes and organization, external orientation/open innovation and innovation success” were examined. An expert team led by innovation researcher Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke (Vienna University of Economics and Business) examined over 100 different aspects. These two questions were of central importance in the analysis: Are innovations in the company a random product or the result of a systematic approach? And how successfully are ideas converted into market successes?

“The fact that we as a group were able to impress manufacturers, window manufacturers, system houses and the construction industry with our overall positioning and our orientation as an innovative partner, is both recognition and mandate for us,” states managing partner Dan Friedl. After all, in addition to further strengthening its market position, EXTE's ultimate goal is “continuous expansion of innovative leadership.” Continuous development is therefore also the driving force in all areas of the company: This applies to product modifications and new solutions as well as to the management and optimization of business processes. “Important topics for us include, for example, the continuous improvement of our production and energy efficiency and continuing to drive digitalization forward,” says Dan Friedl.

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Advance something new

EXTE's innovative spirit is also reflected in its own development departments, cutting-edge production facilities and a number of patents. The family-owned company also attaches great importance to modern workplace design and targeted investments in its high level of vertical integration. The issue of sustainability is also of key importance: This is exemplified by the planned expansion of photovoltaic systems in Wipperfürth and Nienburg this year with a total module output of more than 5,000 kilowatt peak (kWp) and planned electricity production of over 4,400,000 kilowatt hours per year (kWh/a). In addition, through a 'zero waste' strategy, all production waste is recycled and returned directly to the material cycle.

EXTE is also honored for its innovative strength on the big stage: The official award ceremony will take place in Weimar at the end of June. Science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar then congratulates him on this as mentor of “TOP 100.”

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