Bavarian State Medal for Dr. Heike Wenzel

Wiesthal/Munich, November 20, 2025 — Dr. Heike Wenzel, Managing Partner of WENZEL Group GmbH & Co. KG and President of the Aschaffenburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, was awarded the Bavarian State Medal by Bavaria's Minister of Economics Hubert Aiwanger. The award was presented at a ceremony on November 19, 2025 in Munich.

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In her speech, Dr. Wenzel, representing all prize winners, acknowledged the joint efforts of many people behind this award: “This award fills us with great gratitude and, I believe, applies to all of us, including with pride. Proud — not of a single achievement, not of a single moment, but of many years of working together with our employees at our locations, in our regions. ”

She also emphasized that awards are always also a mandate to take responsibility and further strengthen Bavaria as a business location: “Although this medal has a name, it always belongs to the people in our companies, our families and organizations, who get involved every day. ”

As an entrepreneur with passion and responsibility, Dr. Wenzel explained: “I am working so that my children can decide one day whether they want to pick up this ball and continue playing in the next generation. ”

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Responsibility and commitment across generations

The State Medal for Special Services to the Bavarian Economy is the highest honor given by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs — it stands for outstanding commitment and responsibility for Bavaria as a location. The award not only underlines the entrepreneur's personal achievement, but also the importance of owner-managed SMEs for Bavaria's economic success. Dr. Wenzel has been a strong voice for innovation, entrepreneurship and the future viability of Bavaria as a business location for many years.

For the Wenzel family, the state medal is a special moment in the company's history. Her father, company founder Werner Wenzel, has also received several awards for his merits — including the “Bavarian State Prize for Innovative Development” in 1993, the “Bavarian Quality Prize for Quality and Quality Management in Crafts” in 1996 and the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon in 2002.

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Family business with a future

The WENZEL Group develops and produces precise measurement solutions for industries ranging from aviation to medical technology — rooted in its headquarters in Wiesthal for over 55 years and with over 550 employees worldwide. As a medium-sized company in rural areas, WENZEL shows how technological excellence “made in Bavaria” can successfully compete globally.

Dr. Heike Wenzel: “We love working here — we love investing here. Let us shape the future of our country positively — with less mistrust, with more confidence, with the courage to reform and with the joy of entrepreneurship. ”