Mr. and Mrs. Lock Receive the Ludwig Erhard Prize

Ludwig Erhard Gold Award: Highest Honor for Lock GmbH of Ertingen

The family-owned company from the Biberach district was honored in Berlin on June 26, 2026, for entrepreneurial excellence—further cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most attractive employers.

A big stage for a company from Upper Swabia: Lock GmbH receives the Ludwig Erhard Prize in Gold—one of the most prestigious awards for entrepreneurial excellence in Germany, which has also been awarded to the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, among others. The awards ceremony took place on June 26, 2026, at the Meistersaal in Berlin—during the anniversary year of the Ludwig Erhard Prize Initiative (ILEP), which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026. Frank and Jeanette Lock accepted the award in person in Berlin, together with representatives of the team.

During the assessment in February 2026, the company surpassed the 600-point mark in the Excellence Framework Europe for the first time and achieved the rating “Recognized for Excellence – 6 Stars.” This marks the culmination so far of a consistent path of development: Following its first participation in 2017 and the Ludwig Erhard Prize in Silver in 2021 and 2023, Lock underwent the independent assessment for the fifth time this year. The assessors attested to the company’s clear strategic positioning, a strong willingness to embrace change at all levels—and a “Lock Spirit” that is palpable throughout the entire company.

Roots in Ertingen since 1844 – a reliable employer for generations

What began in 1844 as a small craft business founded by Raphael Lock is now led by Frank Lock, the fifth generation of the family. With over 130 employees at its Ertingen location and branches in the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.S., Lock develops and manufactures drive and positioning solutions for greenhouses, livestock facilities, and industrial applications worldwide. Value creation remains firmly anchored in the region—and with it, secure jobs, training opportunities, and long-term career prospects.

Another award demonstrates that this philosophy is put into practice: In February 2026, Lock was certified by the Great Place To Work® Institute as one of the “Best Employers in Manufacturing & Industry 2026.” Flat hierarchies, an open culture of learning from mistakes, and genuine career development opportunities are not just concepts in Ertingen, but a way of life. The company is also committed to the region beyond the factory gates: as a sponsor of young STEM talent at the Student Research Center and as a partner to dual-track universities.

“For us, employee satisfaction is not a consequence of success—it is a prerequisite for it,” emphasizes Jeannette Lock, who is responsible for organizational and human resources development. “When 130 people truly embrace change, that’s worth more than any roadmap.”

Frank Lock adds: “For us, excellence isn’t a state of being—it’s the discipline of starting over again and again. Scoring over 600 points is a milestone, not a reason to rest on our laurels.”

Growth with a Vision: Lock Is Hiring

With three business units—Lock Drives, Lock SmartSolutions, and Lock ProSystems—the company is on a growth trajectory: from robust drive technology to digital farm management and industrial work platforms. Anyone interested in becoming part of this success story can find current job openings at www.lock.gmbh/career/.