Family business with a future: igus in the finals of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025

GENTING LANE, Singapore - Oct. 7, 2025 - PRLog -- Germany is home to many thriving family businesses, even in challenging times. One standout is igus, a Cologne-based company founded in 1964, known for plastic components like plain bearings and energy chains. Today, igus continues to innovate in areas such as low-cost robotics. This agility has earned it a spot as a finalist in the prestigious 'EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025' competition, recognizing it as one of Germany's leading owner-managed companies shaping the future.

Ernst & Young, one of the Big Four auditing firms, has honored entrepreneurial excellence through its 'EY Entrepreneur Of The Year' competition since 1986. Now held in 58 countries and in Germany for the 29th time, the contest enjoys global prestige. This year, igus is among 20 finalists. 'Our vision is a world without lubrication—durable, maintenance-free plastics that are CO₂-neutral, waste-free, and cost-effective,' says CEO Frank Blase. 'Being a finalist confirms our start-up mentality and innovation in plastics.' Winners will be announced on November 6 at Munich's Wappenhalle.

igus, with 5,200 employees and over €1B in annual turnover, is among Germany's most successful family-owned firms. Aiming to double its customer base by 2030, it develops 200+ new products yearly, from digitalized bearings to energy chains for industries and space applications. Its maintenance-free plastics replace metal parts, cutting costs and boosting efficiency. igus also ventures into low-cost robotics—its ReBeL cobot, priced at €4,970, offers SMEs an affordable entry into automation and competes globally. According to Frank Blase, one of the reasons for this success is the company's ability to actively listen to customers. "As an entrepreneur, I learnt painfully at an early stage that it is wrong to focus on your own success. You have to make sure your customers are successful."

igus prioritizes sustainable growth, aiming for a CO₂-neutral, waste-free plastics industry through recycling programs and products with recycled content. A key milestone is the igus:bike—made almost entirely of plastic, with 50% recycled material like fishing nets. Beyond products, igus fosters sustainability culturally and economically by promoting talent, diversity, and innovation through trainee programs, dual studies, start-up platforms, and global collaboration.

Find out more about the igus success story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7zjJ_lWPmk