WMV impresses with its innovative strength
We are overjoyed and proud. In the competition for the most innovative medium-sized company, we won in two categories. WMV has earned special recognition in the categories Innovation Climate and Innovative Processes and Organization. On June 27, 2025, we will be personally honored for our innovative strength by the award’s mentor, science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar.
Barbro and Martin Müller
Why this award?
Awards have not been a priority for WMV so far. This award suited us from the very first moment, as it demonstrates our innovative strength and represents us as a future-oriented, dynamic company. In contrast to many other awards, this award is based on a demanding, multi-stage selection process. Only companies that successfully navigate this demanding evaluation and benchmarking procedure receive the distinction. The Participation was free of charge for us – only the use of the seal and related marketing activities involve optional fees. A particularly impressive factor was the scientific method behind the award and the independent assessment by experts of trade and industry, science, media and politics. The most exciting part of this award was finding out where we are in our innovation process and what opportunities there are for us to develop.
The competition
As part of the selection process, we had to answer a comprehensive set of questions which were assessed under the guidance of innovation researcher Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke. The assessment was based on more than 100 evaluation criteria across 5 categories: Innovation-Promoting Top Management, Innovation Climate, Innovative Processes and Organization, Outward Orientation/Open Innovation and Innovation Success. Engaging deeply with the profound questions of the selection process gave us a powerful insight into how innovation is embedded in our corporate culture. Being recognized as a TOP 100 Innovator in the categories Innovation Climate and Innovative Processes and Organization reaffirms our strategic direction. But why?
Excellent climate for innovation: Innovation is our DNA
Continuous development and improvement are at the heart of our corporate strategy. This applies not only to our solutions and systems for surface treatment but to all processes and interactions within the organization. Our way of working is connected, interdisciplinary, open and driven by innovation. In this way, we create an environment that encourages creative ideas and provides ideal conditions for all employees to develop trendsetting solutions. Every employee – regardless of their department – can approach a trusted partner with an idea. Our decision-making processes are short and dynamic.
This trusted partner does not necessarily have to be the head of department. In the context of digital and ecological transformation, we have noticed that traditional thinking and working only within our own department is no longer effective: Today, all areas and processes are more interconnected than ever. That’s why we embrace a 360° networked approach. Our colleagues appreciate that – more and more are actively engaging. This is also reflected in the consistently high participation in our annual Employee Strategy Day, a strong indicator of their interest in our innovation process and the continued development of our company.
`Fail to success` defines our self-image in management: we are not afraid to fail. Every little step, every little improvement moves us forward and makes us better.’
Martin Müller, CEO at WMV
Excellent processes and organization: transparency and routines along the process chain
Because we follow our own path. Over the decades, we have developed our own ERP system. Throughout this process, employees have had – and continue to have – the opportunity to contribute their ideas. We work in a solution-oriented way, and thanks to our autonomy in IT, we can quickly integrate our ideas into the systems. This makes us flexible and independent. Above all, the clearly defined rules and routines within the system help us to create complete transparency along the process chains. From enquiry to delivery, all parties involved are visible. Continuous project controlling takes place across all processes. Everyone is equally held accountable and contributes to the success of the project: A win-win situation for all.
`Our goal is to successfully complete an order as a team. The mix of transparency and routines motivates everyone in the team to give their best for the project.`
Martin Müller, CEO WMV
TOP 100 Innovator 2025: A strong signal inwards and outwards
The joy of receiving this award is overwhelming – especially this year, as we celebrate our 55th company anniversary and our brand relaunch – the TOP 100 Innovator award confirms our continuous commitment to solution-orientated thinking and action This is exactly what makes not only every one of our employees but also our customers worldwide successful: our innovative strength enables us to grow with challenges and actively shape the future.
