Demcon has been awarded the German-Dutch Prize for Economy 2020 for developing a mechanical ventilator system within a month during the first wave of the Covid-10 pandemic. “We have been awarding the prize for thirteen years, but never before in such challenging times as now,” says Günter Gülker, director of the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce (DNHK), which stewards the award. “Demcon is a perfect example of how companies take their social responsibility and provide solutions in record time thanks to a bi-national approach”.
Partners from both countries were involved in the development of the Demcair ventilator. A machine for the production of medical masks was also realized through German-Dutch cooperation. “We are very happy with the award”, says Eric Tielemans, managing director of Demcon Advanced Mechatronics Best. “It is a nice recognition of the hard work of our colleagues.”
Originally, DNHK received 29 entries for the award. A jury narrowed it down to Demcon, Auping for developing a fully recyclable mattress and Next Kraftwerke for developing ways to use electric cars and greenhouses to stabilize the energy network. The winner was determined through an online vote by the general public.