Concentrated energy.
Future technology. Sven Bauer, CEO and founder of the BMZ Group, has turned the company from Karlstein am Main in Lower Franconia into a global player in the energy storage sector. Now he wants to set up his own battery cell production in Germany in order to become independent of Asian suppliers.
The problem of climate change will only be tackled if we stop using fossil fuels for the foreseeable future - no oil, no gas, no coal," says Sven Bauer. Then he corrects himself. To speak of a "problem" is actually wrong. He likes "challenge" better. "Because the good news is that a real energy revolution is possible. We can decarbonise all sectors - electricity, transport and heat. But for this we need energy storage systems, vast amounts of energy storage systems. And that's where I come in."
Hidden champion. When you dive, you need air - clean and safe. The compressor manufacturer Bauer from Munich is regarded as the market leader and industry ace. A third generation woman guides him through an increasingly hostile environment.
Entrepreneurship. Everything is different with Ulrich Kubak. And again and again. The majority shareholder of Klassik Radio AG from Augsburg broke all rules and turned a loss-making niche station into a European market leader. Portrait of a free thinker, creative doer - and a company with plenty of potential.
Sustainable growth. A manufacturer of fresh natural cosmetics and dietary supplements from the Austrian province is conquering the bathrooms and kitchens of Europe. Ulla Wannenmacher and Andreas Wilfinger have fulfilled their dream of independence with Ringana - now their company is on a steep expansion path.
Network. "The hope of a neo-liberal renewal of the Brazilian economy is linked to the new President Jair Bolsonaro," says Christian Hirmer, President of LIDE Germany: "The challenges are great and the implementation of the necessary reforms will be decisive for the country's future. The big question now is: Kann Bolsonaro also supply?"
Expansion. The Swabian family business Schweizer Electronic has an exciting past behind it. And an even more exciting future ahead. "Over the next ten years, we will enter a completely different dimension," says CEO Nicolas Schweizer, making it clear: "The construction of a new factory in China will enable us to almost quadruple sales to 500 million dollars in this period.
Entrepreneurship. Six years ago, private wealth had told the fascinating story of Roland Arnold, a passionate family entrepreneur. His motivation was to restore mobility and independence to people with disabilities. Now Arnold has sold his technology. In exchange for an even greater vision.