The head of the Berlin-based manufacturer of high-tech laboratory instruments KNAUER was honored by the association “Die Familienunternehmer” (The Family Entrepreneurs) at a celebratory evening event at Berlin’s Soho House on October 8.
The association’s Berlin regional section, which considers itself to represent the interests of more than 180,000 family businesses in Germany, has been honoring an outstanding business personality in the capital with this award every year for over a decade. The award ceremony was held under the motto “Innovation and sustainability in family businesses: Taking responsibility for the future”.
Sebastian Pleschinger, regional chairman of “Die Familienunternehmer” Berlin, praised Alexandra Knauer’s achievements at the award ceremony, as did commendator Heike Hanspach from “Berlin Partner”.
Alexandra Knauer managed in an outstanding way not only to successfully position the medium-sized company founded by her parents Roswitha and Dr. Herbert Knauer in 1962 in a competitive market, but also to actively live social responsibility and sustainability in everyday business life. The award-winning entrepreneur also ensures a work environment that fosters creative collaboration. She also enjoys sharing her experience with other entrepreneurs.
Innovative technical solutions and flexibility enable KNAUER’s corporate success. The new systems developed by KNAUER during the coronavirus pandemic for the production of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA vaccines were particularly highlighted. Until then there were only small laboratory scale systems. The KNAUER team succeeded in scaling up pharmaceutical production in a very short time using high pressure pump technology. With this development, KNAUER was able to open up a completely new business area with great potential for the future beyond the previous main field of activity of liquid chromatography.
The award for Family Business of the Year means a lot to me. I also see it as recognition of the achievements of the entire KNAUER team and Carsten Losch, with whom I run the company. The focus on innovation and sustainability is fully in line with our philosophy of progress and responsibility for a better future.”
Alexandra Knauer, Owner, KNAUER
KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH develops and manufactures high-tech laboratory instruments, e.g. HPLC systems, which can be used to perform analyzes or to purify valuable substances, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients. The sales network extends to more than 70 countries. Alexandra Knauer, who has owned the company since 2000, attaches great importance to corporate responsibility both towards the 200 employees and towards the environment and society.
