The highest award in the country honors their entrepreneurial efforts as well as their long-standing social commitment. The brothers led Schmalz step by step to the top of international vacuum technology while also advocating for sustainability, education, and regional development.
Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann awarded the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg at the end of March to Dr. Kurt Schmalz and Dipl.-Ing. Wolfgang Schmalz. The brothers have shaped the economy and society in the Northern Black Forest for decades. Kretschmann thanked the honorees: "With their achievements, their talents, and their personalities, with their professional ethics and their understanding of their roles, they have
"they have made themselves deserving of our community, of Baden-Württemberg."
Together, Kurt and Wolfgang Schmalz developed the family business J. Schmalz GmbH, based in Glatten, into a globally leading specialist in vacuum technology. Founded as a razor blade factory by their grandfather, the brothers transformed it into a provider of modern automation solutions. Dr. Kurt Schmalz has been the managing partner of the company since 1984, and his son Dr. Johannes Schmalz has also been part of the management since 2025. Dipl.-Ing. Wolfgang Schmalz served as managing partner from 1990 to 2017 before stepping back from operational responsibilities. Today, he is a partner and chairman of the advisory board.
The medium-sized company focuses on solar energy, wind power, and other renewable energy sources. For Schmalz, sustainability means the interplay of economy, ecology, and social responsibility. The brothers combine entrepreneurial success with a clear vision for long-term and responsible business practices. "This award is a great honor and makes us very proud. As family entrepreneurs, Schmalz is our life's work. We are happy to have been passionately involved for decades and are very pleased with the recognition of this work," emphasize Kurt and Wolfgang Schmalz.
Impulses for the region, economy, and society
Beyond the company, Kurt and Wolfgang Schmalz purposefully apply their expertise to education, politics, and social interaction. Dr. Kurt Schmalz is a co-initiator of the Campus Schwarzwald in Freudenstadt, a center that imparts knowledge on digitalization, leadership, and responsible business practices. For nearly two decades, he has also contributed as Vice President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Nordschwarzwald and is actively involved at the federal level in the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also actively supports social projects such as the work of the Diakonie Dornstetten-Glatten-Schopfloch.
Wolfgang Schmalz used his experience for many years on the advisory board of the state government for sustainable development. In addition, he was involved in the project "Dialogue on the Future of Germany" under former Chancellor Angela Merkel and in the Economic Initiative for Sustainability. Together with his wife Esther, he founded the Schmalz Foundation. This foundation supports projects worldwide, including a photovoltaic system in Namibia. In doing so, he sustainably supports education, environmental protection, and infrastructure.
Contact:
