25.9 so-called hidden champions can be found in Baden-Württemberg per 1 million inhabitants. Thus our federal state is far ahead in the statistics. In Trossingen the ratio is even better, at least 2 Hidden Champions (Hohner and Haas Schleifmaschinen) per 15.000 inhabitants. And to keep it that way, we have now decided to invest further in Trossingen. We will build very close to our current location. The new building at the Teufelsgurgel site will have a floor area of around 3,000 to 4,000 square meters. We plan to start production in the summer of 2012.

By the way, hidden champions are medium-sized companies that are market leaders in their field. Haas Schleifmaschinen GmbH falls into this category; after all, with our high-tech Multigrind® CA and Multigrind® CB grinding centres we are the world leader in the manufacture of knee joint implants.

We are looking forward to the new location, even though we of course know that the Stock Car Club Trossingen has taken note of our plans with a weeping eye. We ourselves are quite enthusiastic about technology and are getting off to a good start. That's why we at the Stock Car Club hope for understanding and good coexistence.

For us, the location decision is a clear commitment to our region, where we have felt at home for almost 80 years. This is precisely where we find well-trained and motivated employees with a spirit of tinkering, and this is what we need if we are to remain a global leader in the future.

See you next time.

Dirk Wember