On Friday, September 23rd, top business elite were honored for Germany’s prestigious 15th annual “Entrepreneur of the Year” competition. Dr. Manfred Wittenstein, President of the WITTENSTEIN Group with global headquarters in Igersheim, Germany, won the award in the “Industry” category. The jury was impressed by Dr. Wittenstein’s foresight: “He inherited a small sewing machine business and turned it into the world’s premier manufacturer of drive technology. Wittenstein is a visionary among machine builders.”

Of the three hundred companies nominated, sixty-five qualified for the final round. The category winners won with criteria focusing on clear employee focus, proven innovative vitality and a policy of responsible growth. Select winners, including Dr. Wittenstein, were also nominated to represent Germany in the international “World Entrepreneur of the Year” competition.

The “Entrepreneur of the Year” is a global competition organized by Ernst & Young and seeks to identify and honor extraordinarily successful business people on a national level around the world. The “World Entrepreneur of the Year” will be announced in June 2012.

WITTENSTEIN is a global firm with 1,400 employees worldwide and sales of more than $270 million in 2010/11. The company enjoys an impeccable reputation for innovation, precision and excellence in the field of mechatronic drive technology. The group is comprised of eight pace-setting business units which support servo gearboxes, actuator systems, medical and aerospace technology, miniature servo units, gearing technology and electronic and software components for drive technology.