Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s Senator For Economic Affairs, And State Secretary Michael Biel Go To The Lab-Tech Company KNAUER

On June 14, the management of KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH, a well-known Berlin-based manufacturer of high-tech laboratory instruments, had the honor of hosting State Secretary Michael Biel and Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Ms. Franziska Giffey (SPD). The visit was part of the “Made in Berlin” event series that Mr. Stephan Schwarz, who was Ms. Giffey’s predecessor, started.

In order to make Berlin’s dynamic and innovative economy more visible and to discuss its needs and development in talks on the spot, Senator Giffey is continuing this tradition of visiting manufacturing companies. Ms. Giffey made use of the visit to acknowledge KNAUER’s dedication and innovative efforts and to interact directly with employees. She was shown how the company’s strategies and production procedures enable it to market cutting-edge technologies.

During a tour, Thomas Müller, head of production at KNAUER, gave visitors an interesting look at mechanical production and instrument assembly, and Dr. Ulrike Krop, application expert at KNAUER, talked about the instruments and lab applications. To succeed in the competitive laboratory market, cutting-edge technology and support for those who further develop it must go hand in hand.

They added, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate our business and discuss our challenges and successes with the Senator.”

The senator and her state secretary were briefed on the company’s expansion, product line, and most recent business trends by the founding couple and the managing directors during a round of talks at the beginning of the visit. The senator, on her part, talked about the things she wanted to focus on in her new job. She was particularly interested in the IJM systems that were made during the Corona pandemic to make lipid nanoparticles, which are important for mRNA vaccines. These innovative KNAUER systems are used in the production of BioNTech’s Corona vaccine Comirnaty. On June 11, KNAUER received the “Vorsprung” award for its innovative achievements at the East German Business Forum in Bad Saarow.

Many KNAUER employees were waiting for her in the company courtyard when she left, which surprised Senator Giffey. She lavishly praised the workers, saying, Excellent illustration of the economy of Berlin, with its innovative power and excellent goods that serve as a global symbol for the city.” There was still a group photo for the end.

The visit highlighted KNAUER’s commitment to innovation, quality, and local production and provided an ideal setting for a productive conversation about the current challenges, including decarbonization and skill shortages, as well as the opportunities and strengths of Berlin’s SME sector.

KNAUER develops and manufactures laboratory equipment for the life science, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, environmental, and food industries from its headquarters in Berlin-Zehlendorf. The company is best known for its components and systems for liquid chromatography, but its newly developed equipment also played a crucial role in the production of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA corona vaccines. Together with Carsten Losch, company owner Alexandra Knauer runs the family business. With an eye toward the users, the 190 employees, and society as a whole, both are committed to responsible and sustainable corporate governance.