In the SME category, BASS is one of twelve organisations nationwide to receive this award. The assessment focused not on turnover or individual products, but on how well the company is managed as a whole. This involves examining aspects such as strategy, employee focus, processes, corporate culture and innovation.
“This award is the result of the daily work of all our employees,” says Managing Director Martin Zeller. Particularly remarkable: BASS already won the silver award on its first entry into the competition.
Founded in 1947, the company manufactures precision tools for thread production and supplies industrial customers worldwide. The jury particularly highlighted the clearly practiced corporate values that have a lasting impact on the culture at BASS, as well as the consistent exploration of new markets and areas of innovation. The assessors were also impressed by the close ties former employees maintain with the company – a reflection of a culture in which appreciation and team spirit are genuinely practiced.
BASS faces the classic challenges of medium-sized businesses: digitalisation, a shortage of skilled workers and growing international competition. Martin Zeller has already announced the next milestone: “Our goal is gold. Excellence is not a one-off event – it is achieved every day through our joint efforts. The medal itself is not what drives us. We want to further enhance our customers’ enthusiasm and thereby ensure our competitiveness.”
With this award, BASS joins the ranks of renowned German organisations that have been honoured for their excellence as part of the Ludwig Erhard Prize. In the 2026 competition year, the BMW Group’s Leipzig plant (Gold), agricultural machinery manufacturer Fendt (Bronze) and automotive supplier Schaeffler (Bronze) were among those recognised.
More about the Ludwig Erhard Prize (German)
