Politics and business in dialogue: Hesse’s Minister-President Boris Rhein emphasised the importance of digital transformation for the future of Hesse as a business location during a visit to the Rittal plant in Haiger. “Digital technologies are the key to being successful in the manufacturing environment today. Rittal has courageously seized this key with smart Industry 4.0 production. Only with Industry 4.0 structures are highly efficient production, logistics and communication processes possible. Rittal is an excellent example of what a regional company with a broad, high-quality product portfolio is capable of achieving,” said Mr. Rhein on Friday.
To give the Hessian economy an edge as well as to shape the digital future of the state, the Hessian state government promotes application-centred, digital solutions and innovations in the field of digital transformation, as Rhein said. With the “Distr@l – Strengthen Digitisation, Live Transfer" programme launched in 2019, 93 projects with a funding volume of around 28 million euros have already been approved.
During his visit, Minister President Boris Rhein praised the innovative spirit of the medium-sized company. The largest company in the Friedhelm Loh Group recognised the signs of the times a long time ago. “Rittal is an impressive example of how a Hessian company can be successful internationally – with know-how, good ideas, expertise and a highly motivated team,” said the head of government. The company, which is based in Hesse, has grown continuously, which is a strong commitment to Hesse as a location, to the region of Central Hesse and its people”, said Rhein and congratulated on the ‘Industry 4.0 Award 2022’ presented in November by the management consultancy ROI-EFESO for the digital transformation of the production at the Haiger plant.
Professor Friedhelm Loh, Owner, and CEO of the group that bears his name said: “At Rittal, the digital transformation of production means first and foremost customer centricity. But for us, it also means taking responsibility for our region and its people. What drives us every day: As an owner-managed company, making decisions quickly for the future of the company and its employees is based on growth and economic success.” Helping to shape technological change in the industry worldwide and taking responsibility for its home in Central Hesse – that was Rittal's goal when it invested in the construction of the world's most modern compact and small enclosure production facility to Industry 4.0 standards in Haiger around six years ago.