"NRW Innovation Tour":
Economics Minister Neubaur praises Condor Group in Salzkotten
The transformation of the economy is in full swing. Many companies have developed innovative products and services and are thus making a decisive contribution to strengthening competitiveness and the future viability of the economy as a whole. This is why the Deputy Minister President and Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur visited the Condor Group in Salzkotten today (05.03.25) as part of her "NRW Innovation Tour". The medium-sized company primarily develops, manufactures and sells innovative medical products for use in surgical and orthopaedic operations.
Minister Neubaur: "Innovations are the engine that drives our state forward - they secure jobs and create prosperity. Whether in medical technology, engineering services or the agricultural sector: on my 'NRW Innovation Tour', I experience at first hand how companies across all sectors are providing powerful impetus for growth with pioneering solutions. Their innovations combine state-of-the-art technologies with digital progress and sustainability - this is how we are actively shaping the transformation of our economy. To ensure that even more bold ideas from North Rhine-Westphalia become reality, we are working hard to create the best conditions for future investments."
During her "NRW Innovation Tour", she also found out about the company's current challenges on site and exchanged views with the management and, among others, the head of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of East Westphalia in Bielefeld (IHK).
Dominik Schulte, Managing Partner of the Condor Group, began by presenting the innovative strength of his family business, which was founded in 1997 by his parents Hermann-Josef and Maria Schulte . "We are very pleased about the Minister's visit and see it as recognition of our successful work," said Schulte, who runs the company together with his sister Ira Fecke-Schulte . The company operates worldwide and is a pioneer in the individual production of retractor for the medical sector. "We combine practical know-how, many years of experience, innovative production technology and quality workmanship made in Germany. These are all skills that allow us to always go one step further, keep our finger on the pulse and make a lasting difference."
In order to maintain and further expand this innovative strength, however, Ira Fecke-Schulte also named expectations of politicians: "Our successes are only possible if the framework conditions set by politicians are based on reality and do not overburden companies." For future challenges, both entrepreneurs generally called for the reduction of bureaucracy, the improvement of infrastructure and measures to combat the shortage of skilled workers.
IHK President Jörn Wahl-Schwentker agreed with them: "The competitiveness of our companies urgently needs to be strengthened again. This requires an immediate program." Wahl-Schwentker called for more speed in infrastructure expansion and a reduction in the tax burden.
IHK Managing Director Petra Pigerl-Radtke added: "This immediate program should be accompanied by a clearly noticeable reduction in bureaucratic hurdles." Pigerl-Radtke saw the "Board for Relief and Acceleration" set up by Minister Neubaur as a positive signal to companies. Business, industry, trade unions and politicians want to work together on solutions for reducing bureaucracy.