The Dürr Group has recognised a series of pioneering achievements in industrial technology, sustainability and customer engagement through the presentation of the Heinz Dürr Awards. The annual awards programme highlights outstanding employee contributions that deliver measurable value through innovation, operational excellence and forward-thinking solutions.
This year’s awards were presented during an international management gathering attended by senior leaders from across the organisation. The honours were awarded by Prof. Dr. Dr. Alexandra Dürr and Karoline Dürr, daughters of Heinz Dürr, whose commitment to innovation and entrepreneurial excellence inspired the establishment of the recognition programme.
Five teams were selected as winners.
Their projects reflected the growing importance of digitalisation, sustainability and customer-focused innovation within modern manufacturing industries. Each winning team received prize money amounting to €7,500 in recognition of its achievement.
Three awards were presented in the Innovation category.
The winning projects demonstrated advances in production efficiency, automation and digital connectivity. They also highlighted how emerging technologies continue to transform industrial operations across multiple sectors.
One of the recognised initiatives was the “Paint Shop of the Future” project. The concept was developed to create a highly flexible and efficient painting environment capable of supporting evolving manufacturing requirements. The solution impressed the judging panel through its emphasis on operational adaptability and productivity enhancement.
Efficiency remains a major industry priority.
Manufacturers continue to seek solutions that can improve throughput while maintaining quality standards. Flexible production systems are increasingly viewed as essential for long-term competitiveness.
Another innovation award was presented for a newly developed battery cell filling system. The project addressed a critical challenge within battery manufacturing. The liquid used in battery cells is both toxic and explosive, making the filling process highly demanding from a safety and operational perspective.
A new approach was developed.
The advanced system enables battery cells to be filled more rapidly while maintaining strict safety standards. Improved process control can contribute to higher productivity levels in battery production environments. The innovation reflects the increasing importance of advanced manufacturing technologies as global demand for battery solutions continues to grow.
Safety requirements were carefully considered.
The development demonstrates how engineering innovation can support both operational performance and workplace protection. Battery manufacturing remains one of the fastest-evolving sectors within industrial production.
A third Innovation award was received by a team from HOMAG, a subsidiary of the Dürr Group. The recognition was granted for the HOMAG INTELLIGENCE software platform. The digital solution has been designed to connect multiple stages of furniture production within a single ecosystem.
Connectivity is becoming increasingly important.
The platform links activities ranging from design and sales to production management. By integrating previously separate processes, manufacturers can improve visibility, communication and operational coordination throughout the production cycle.
Digital transformation continues to reshape the woodworking sector.
Manufacturers are increasingly adopting software-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and support data-based decision-making. Integrated platforms are helping businesses streamline operations and improve responsiveness to market demands.
In the Sustainability category, recognition was awarded to a team responsible for advancing the EcoSupply P paint supply system. The project focused on reducing material waste and improving environmental performance during industrial painting operations.
Significant improvements were achieved.
The enhanced system can substantially reduce paint loss, purging medium consumption and purging times. As a result, lower operating costs can be realised while environmental impact is reduced. These benefits align closely with the sustainability objectives increasingly pursued by manufacturers worldwide.
Resource efficiency remains a strategic focus.
Industrial companies continue to invest in technologies that minimise waste and optimise material utilisation. Such innovations play an important role in supporting sustainable manufacturing practices while maintaining commercial competitiveness.
The Customer Experience category highlighted a different aspect of industrial innovation. A second HOMAG team earned recognition for creating a highly immersive visitor experience at LIGNA 2025, the world’s leading trade exhibition for woodworking technologies held in Hanover.
The project transformed exhibition engagement.
The team developed an innovation area spanning more than 400 square metres. Advanced digital tools, including artificial intelligence applications, were incorporated into the exhibition concept. Visitors were introduced to a futuristic environment enhanced through specialised lighting and sound effects.
A unique experience was created.
The installation guided attendees through a digital journey into space while showcasing HOMAG’s technological capabilities and long-term vision. The concept successfully combined storytelling, technology and product presentation to create a memorable visitor experience.
Customer engagement strategies are evolving rapidly.
Industrial companies increasingly recognise the value of experiential marketing approaches that communicate innovation in more interactive and engaging ways. Exhibition spaces are being transformed into environments that encourage deeper connections between technology providers and customers.
The awards ceremony was hosted jointly by Dr. Lars Friedrich, Head of the Automotive division, and Dr. Daniel Schmitt, Head of the Woodworking division. Their participation reflected the cross-sector relevance of the winning projects and the importance of collaboration across the wider organisation.
The Heinz Dürr Awards continue to serve as a platform for recognising excellence across the Dürr Group. The 2026 winners demonstrated how innovation, sustainability and customer engagement can drive meaningful progress across modern manufacturing industries. From advanced battery production and intelligent software platforms to environmentally responsible paint systems and immersive customer experiences, the recognised projects illustrate the diverse ways in which industrial innovation is shaping the future of global manufacturing.
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