Chicago, IL – May 8, 2009. The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc. (GACCoM) announces the winners of the 2009 MERLIN Awards for excellence in German American business. Winners are German American companies located in the Midwest, which demonstrated overall excellence, dedication to quality and the achievement of extraordinary results in 2008.
“We are proud to recognize these outstanding companies. In today’s very challenging times it is our duty to highlight the efforts of those companies that transform their everyday business practice into success and thus distinguish themselves from others”, says Simone Pohl, President & CEO of GACCoM. “The German American business community is characterized by companies known for their quality, innovation and service,” adds Pohl.
GACCoM is proud to recognize the following MERLIN Award Winners for 2009:
In the category of “Best New Company”, the winner was Zentis Food Solutions North America LLC from Plymouth, IN. Zentis won the award for its recent successful entry into the U.S. market during which the company was able to adapt its products quickly to the U.S. while maintaining exceptional quality. Since its establishment in 2007 with approximately 20 employees, the fruit processing manufacturer was able to set up significant operations and expand its production line. Today, Zentis has over 100 employees and is still actively hiring. “The MERLIN Award is a very well recognized Award in the German American business community” says Norbert Weichele, CEO of Zentis Food Solutions North America LLC. “It’s a big honor for us and we’re proud to receive this award, which is an external recognition of our achievements over the last 2 years”.
In the category of “Best Innovator”, the winner was Pilz Automation Safety LP from Canton, MI. Pilz is opening new horizons for automation with SafetyEYE®, a camera system for three-dimensional safety monitoring. Developed in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler, SafetyEYE® places a customized, three-dimensional protective cocoon around a danger zone with a single system. It is suitable for a wide range of industries and applications. “Having a German American Chamber of Commerce select us to win means so much because it will also mean so much to our German parent company,” says Roberta Nelson Shea, General Manager of Pilz Automation Safety L.P., emphasizing the importance of the transatlantic relationship for German American companies.
The “Best Service Provider Award” went to Rödl & Partner, located in downtown Chicago, for its fast growth, strong commitment to customer service, and an in-depth knowledge of its customers’ specialized needs. According to Johan Tromp, Partner at Rödl, it is difficult to distinguish oneself from the mass of service providers in the region. Nonetheless, through its partnership with the German American Chamber of Commerce and its network, Rödl was able to establish itself successfully in Chicago in a short period of time. Within only eighteen months Rödl’s staff has increased five-fold.
GACCoM focuses on fostering trade between Germany and the U.S. and strengthening the transatlantic relationship since it is the base of the global economy. Despite the downturn, German technology and expertise is still in strong demand in the U.S. More than 3,000 German companies in the U.S. account for approximately 675,000 jobs. Of these 3,000 companies, 900 are located in the Midwest.
About the MERLIN Award Winners:
Pilz Automation Safety L.P. has been very successful and has grown consistently since its U.S. opening in 1994. Located in Canton, MI, Pilz develops innovative solutions for safe automation. Pilz’ success is built on bringing German expertise to the U.S. and sharing U.S. insights with their German counterparts. www.pilz.us
Rödl & Partner located in Chicago, IL has developed unique experience in the areas of tax planning, accounting and attestation services for German-owned midsize manufacturing, service, and distribution companies. Because of their unique pool of employees, Rödl & Partner is able to address cross-border questions and requirements of their clients. http://www.roedl./www.roedl.de
Zentis Food Solutions North America LLC is Europe’s number one fruit processing company and one of the leading brand manufacturers of jams, sweets and custard-based desserts. The company’s first North American operation is located in Plymouth, IN, where it produces fruit and dairy preparations for a variety of customers, including yogurt, ice cream and bakery manufacturers. www.zentis.de
About the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest:
Founded in 1963, the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest’s (GACCoM) mission is to further, promote and assist in the expansion of bilateral trade and investment between Germany and the United States. GACCoM is part of the German American Chamber network with offices located in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. We are an integral part of the network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) with 120 offices in 80 countries around the globe.
|
