Metrology Leadership Honored: Dr. Heike Wenzel Awarded Bavarian State Medal
For her outstanding contributions to the Bavarian economy, Dr. Heike Wenzel, CEO and Managing Partner of WENZEL Group GmbH & Co. KG and President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) Aschaffenburg, has been awarded the Bavarian State Medal by Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger. The award was presented during a ceremonial event held in Munich on 19 November 2025.
In her speech, Dr. Wenzel honoured on behalf of all awardees the collective effort of the many people behind this achievement: “This award fills us with great gratitude and, I believe this applies to all of us, also with pride. Pride – not for a single achievement, not for a moment, but for many years of joint work with our colleagues at our sites, in our regions.”
She further emphasized that awards are always an obligation to continue taking responsibility and to strengthen Bavaria’s competitiveness: “This medal may bear one name – but it always belongs to the people in our companies, our families and organizations who contribute every day.” As an entrepreneur driven by passion and responsibility, she added: “I am working so that one day my children can decide whether they want to take up the baton and continue this legacy.”
Responsibility and Generational Commitment
The Bavarian State Medal for special merits towards the Bavarian economy is the highest honour awarded by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs – recognizing excellence and responsibility for the success of the Bavarian business landscape. It acknowledges not only Dr. Wenzel’s individual achievements, but also the importance of family-owned companies for Bavaria’s economic strength. Dr. Wenzel has long been a strong advocate for innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future competitiveness of the Bavarian economy.
The award is also a special moment for the Wenzel family. Her father, company founder Werner Wenzel, has been honoured numerous times for his contributions – including the Bavarian State Prize for Innovative Development in 1993, the Bavarian Quality Award for Quality and Quality Management in Craftsmanship in 1996, and the Federal Cross of Merit in 2002.
A Family Business with a Strong Future
The WENZEL Group develops and produces precise metrology solutions for industries ranging from aerospace to medical technology – headquartered in Wiesthal for more than 55 years and with over 550 employees worldwide. As a medium-sized company rooted in a rural region, WENZEL demonstrates how technological excellence ‘Made in Bavaria’ can succeed in the global market.
Dr. Heike Wenzel: “We enjoy working here – we enjoy investing here. Let us shape the future of our country positively – with less mistrust, with more trust, with the courage to reform, and with joy in entrepreneurship.”
For more information: www.wenzel-group.com
