Bielefeld-based Rechkaus receives “Unternehmerisches Herz” award

The award winner, chemical manufacturer Reckhaus based in Bielefeld, produces insecticides for indoor use. And the company proves to be successful: Since Hans-Dietrich Reckhaus took over the company management from his parents in 1995, he has more than doubled the company’s staff and sales figures.

However, some years ago, Reckhaus changed his strategy: He wanted to increase sales by protecting insects and therefore make the company’s products more sustainable and more ecological. It was this change in strategy that convinced the jury: “In the beginning, everyone was against Hans-Dietrich Reckhaus’ new concept,” Daniel Rettig, Head of WirtschaftsWoche’s Success section, said, “however, since he was convinced of his decision, he stood his ground against all the resistance and was proved right.”

“We need role models who do not hesitate to address uncomfortable truths, courageously accept criticism and do not fear to pair profit with responsibility—role models whose hearts beat for entrepreneurship and who define growth for a good and healthy future,” Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Managing Board of the Würth Group, explained the award’s motivation in his laudatory speech.

The award ceremony was accompanied by a multi-course dinner prepared by the best chefs of the Hohenlohe region and musical contributions by Würth Philharmoniker. However, the evening was a highlight not only in culinary terms but also with respect to its content: Anne-Marie Descôtes, Ambassador of France in Germany, spoke with WirtschaftsWoche in the Geopolitics Talk.

The “Unternehmerisches Herz” Award

“Unternehmerisches Herz” award is presented on the occasion of the Global Market Leader Summit, where managing directors and representatives of top companies meet experts from the business community and representatives from science and politics. The prize is awarded by Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in cooperation with WirtschaftsWoche. It is presented to entrepreneurs who act in a brave and authentic way and set standards beyond the boundaries of their company thanks to their integrity and ideals. The winner is chosen by a renowned jury of economic experts headed by its Chairmen Beat Balzli, Editor-in-Chief of WirtschaftsWoche, and Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Managing Board of the Würth Group.

About Reckhaus

Reckhaus is a family business based in Bielefeld. Founded by Klaus Reckhaus in 1956, the company has been an expert for insect control for indoor use for 60 years. Dr. Hans-Dietrich Reckhaus and Arne Kraeft-Reckhaus manage the company in the second generation.

About Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG is the leading specialist in the trade of assembly and connecting materials for professional use. It is the largest individual company of the globally operating Würth Group that currently consists of 400 companies in more than 80 countries and has more than 77,000 employees on the payroll. The product range comprises 125,000 products for craft and industry and is sold around the world by the companies of the Würth Line: from screws, screw accessories and anchors to tools, chemical-technical products and personal protective equipment. On a global scale, the Würth Group supplies to more than three million customers. According to the preliminary annual financial statement, the Würth Group generated EUR 13.6 billion in sales in fiscal year 2018.

About WirtschaftsWoche

WirtschaftsWoche is the main up-to-date business magazine for decision-makers with a consistent focus on economy. Week after week, more than 100 employees, editors, reporters and correspondents from all over the world analyze the most important events of economy and politics, in financial markets and management, in science and technology. WirtschaftsWoche coverage is complemented by the www.wiwo.de online team, which presents and analyzes events and results on a daily basis.