Schlötter is one of the top 100 most innovative companies in Germany

In the Top 100 scientific selection process, Schlötter was particularly impressive in size category B (51 to 200 employees in Germany) in the Innovative Processes and Organization category. This is the second time that the company has been one of the top innovators. The Top 100 company portrait published on the occasion of the award states: "How can toxic nitric acid be avoided during paint stripping without compromising the result?" This question was asked by an employee of Dr.-Ing. Max Schlötter GmbH & Co. KG, which has been developing specialized processes to refine surfaces for industries such as the automotive industry or hydrogen technology for more than 100 years. As pickling nickel-phosphorus alloys normally produces nitrous gases that are harmful to health, he saw great potential to better protect the environment and health. His solution, which was developed directly in the company's own innovation system, turned out to be surprisingly simple. The resourceful employee suggested using a special inhibitor that would completely prevent the formation of nitrous gases without negatively affecting the result. He carried out initial tests in the "Genius Hour" - an internal format in which employees can easily test new ideas in the laboratory. Convincing results are then quickly transferred to the "Ideas Factory", where a steering committee quickly decides on implementation. Managing Director Dr. Michael Zöllinger describes the company's innovative atmosphere as follows: "Our innovation work is characterized by the fact that, despite our long tradition, we still tick a bit like a start-up."

From the idea to the technical center at Schlötter

When a proposal is approved, Schlötter starts a structured process based on a special project management method that combines traditional and agile processes: An interdisciplinary team first prepares a feasibility study and a comprehensive market analysis. This is followed by the creation of requirement and functional specifications, and the processes are tested under realistic conditions in the company's own technical center. At the same time, initial calculations are made and potential pilot customers are sought in order to validate the products in practice. Complete technical documentation ensures quality before the marketing team finally takes over the market launch. For Managing Director Zöllinger, this is a key success factor: "I am particularly proud of the performance of our employees, who have been skillfully bringing the combination of curiosity and knowledge to the market for more than 100 years." The success of this structured approach is also due to the intensive involvement of management. Managers are directly involved in decision-making and closely support new developments. For Dr. Zöllinger, innovation means above all "boldly breaking new ground". This is why the company's strategic focus has expanded significantly: In addition to electrolyte additives, it now develops complete surface solutions with novel properties.