In Baden‑Württemberg, there are 25.9 so‑called hidden champions per one million inhabitants. This places the state well ahead in national comparison. In Trossingen, the ratio is even more impressive. With around 15,000 inhabitants, the town is home to at least two hidden champions: Hohner and Haas Schleifmaschinen.

To ensure that this remains the case, we have decided to continue investing in Trossingen. We will be building a new facility close to our current site. The new building at the Teufelsgurgel location will cover approximately 3,000 to 4,000 square metres of floor space. Production is scheduled to start there in the summer of 2012.

Hidden champions are medium‑sized companies that are market leaders in their respective fields. Haas Schleifmaschinen GmbH clearly belongs to this category. With our high‑tech grinding centres from the Multigrind® CA and Multigrind® CB series, we are a global leader in the production of knee joint implants.

We are looking forward to the new site, even though we know that the Stock‑Car‑Club Trossingen has taken our plans with a certain degree of regret. We ourselves are enthusiastic about technology and are not afraid to accelerate now and then. We therefore hope for understanding and a good coexistence.

For us, this location decision represents a clear commitment to our region, where we have felt at home for almost 80 years. It is here that we find well‑trained, motivated employees with a passion for innovation. And it is precisely these people we need in order to remain a global leader in the future.

Until next time.