The Unseen Pillars: Why Baumer Group Earned the Preferred Supplier Title at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
In a world driven by technological innovation, partnerships between industry leaders and their suppliers play a crucial role. The recently held “Preferred Supplier” awarding ceremony at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HDMA), the world’s leading manufacturer of printing machinery, highlighted this reality. Speaking on behalf of Baumer Group – recognized as an expert in sensor technology, rotary encoders, and image processing – Helmut Braun and Markus Vetter emphasized that superior performance is not accidental but a result of consistent effort and dedication.
A Digital Future Built on Trust
HDMA’s motto, “Simply Smart,” reflects its commitment to actively shaping the digital future of the print media industry. This vision extends beyond internal development; it relies heavily on close-knit partnerships with suppliers who bring specialized expertise and accelerate innovation. Baumer Group stands out as a prime example.
The journey began when Baumer became the first supplier of electronic components to receive the prestigious “Preferred Supplier” designation from HDMA – an early testament to its excellence. This recognition, sustained over four consecutive years at the highest possible level in HDMA’s rigorous evaluation process, speaks volumes about Baumer’s capability and unwavering commitment.
Defining Excellence: More Than Just Metrics
Supplier evaluations are not mere formality; they use defined key metrics like zero defect production, error-free processes, continuous improvement initiatives, collaborative partnership, and reliable logistics management. These criteria paint a clear picture of operational excellence.
Helmut Braun specifically highlighted Baumer’s consistent quality across all organizational levels. For him, quality is deeply embedded in Baumer’s corporate DNA – not just an advertised value but reflected throughout the entire product lifecycle and every facet of cooperation, from engineering to sales and after-sales support.
Markus Vetter added another layer: it’s about responsiveness and initiative. He praised Baumer for consistently listening and acting on feedback, while also driving continuous improvement proactively. This shared journey – marked by constant development rather than static achievements – has significantly contributed to HDMA’s success.
Innovation as the Bedrock
Kai Albrecht of HDMA Development Drives and Sensors stressed the critical factor: innovation. The close R&D collaboration with Baumer allows for tailored, highly efficient solutions, leveraging not just standard sensor expertise but also impressive capabilities in custom project implementation.
Dr. Oliver Vietze, CEO of Baumer Group, expressed immense pride at being recognized by such a long-term partner. Receiving this award signifies that the company is on the right track – specifically highlighting “Quality-First” as central to their strategy. Achieving less than 1000 ppm defect rates over four years isn’t luck; it’s the result of rigorous work culture, advanced tools within Baumer Business System, and a continuous drive for improvement.
This acknowledgment from HDMA is not just applause; it’s validation that Baumer’s pursuit of sustainable customer orientation aligns perfectly with one of the industry’s leaders.
Last Updated: 2025-09-04 23:36:17