uma among the TOP 100 once again

Recognition for outstanding innovation: Christian Wulff congratulates uma Schreibgeräte Ullmann GmbH from Fischerbach on being named one of the TOP 100 innovators. The awards ceremony, held as part of the German Summit of Small and Mid-Sized Enterprises, took place on Friday 26 June in Heidelberg for all SMEs that had been awarded the TOP 100 seal at the start of the year. The former Federal President and Minister-President served as mentor for the innovation competition, which is now in its 33^rd year. In the scientific selection process, uma Schreibgeräte Ullmann impressed in size category C (over 200 employees in Germany), particularly in the category “Top Management Promoting Innovation”. This is the fourth time the company has been named among the top innovators.

The TOP 100 company profile published to mark the award states: “Promotional writing instruments are the core business of uma Schreibgeräte Ullmann GmbH. In Fischerbach, the owning family develops and refines ballpoint pens and other writing instruments for companies that use them as promotional products. During a strategy meeting, the managing directors Alexander, Jochen and Peter Ullmann decided not to define their company by the lowest price, but rather by reliability, quality and responsibility. Going forward, the ballpoint pen will symbolise a clear brand identity and responsible conduct.”

Those wishing to hold their own in the fast-paced promotional products industry must demonstrate a high degree of flexibility and service. Customers expect a quick and straightforward route to customised promotional writing instruments, together with the effective implementation of their communication objectives. “Standing out from the crowd in a mass-market sector requires a high degree of innovation, not only in the product itself but also in the initiation and implementation of individual customer projects,” says Alexander Ullmann.

Focus on sustainability

The medium-sized company decided to operate its Fischerbach site in a climate-neutral manner and to introduce quality and environmental management systems: processes were analysed, energy flows were mapped and sustainability was established as a key performance indicator within the company. Over the coming years, the managing directors aim to link their writing instruments with digital offerings and take-back and recycling schemes. To this end, resources and organisational freedom are to be created for cross-departmental pilot projects. “For us, tradition does not mean preserving the past at any cost, but taking responsibility for the future of writing,” says Alexander Ullmann.
Find out more about the company and its products at: www.uma-pen.com

Image: Delighted to receive their fourth TOP 100 award (from the left): Alexander Ullmann, Jochen Ullmann, Peter Ullmann.