HOLTEC receives further recognition with German Innovation Award 2026

HOLTEC GmbH & Co. KG has been honoured with the renowned German Innovation Award 2026. The award recognises the company’s "Sawmill of the future“ concept, which sets new standards for sustainable, efficient and digital log logistics within the wood industry.

The German Innovation Award, presented by the German Design Council, recognises cross-industry innovations that demonstrate outstanding practical relevance, future viability and sustainable impact.

With its “Sawmill of the Future” concept, HOLTEC is pursuing a comprehensive approach to transforming modern sawmill logistics. At the core of the concept are fully electric portal crane systems, designed to replace conventional diesel-powered handling equipment. This results in a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions, lower operating costs, and improved efficiency and workplace safety. The system is complemented by intelligent yard management, digital connectivity and modern remote workplaces.

The jury of the German Innovation Award particularly highlighted HOLTEC’s ability to combine sustainability, digitalisation and modern working environments into a forward-looking, integrated solution for the wood industry.

The concept has already received multiple accolades: HOLTEC won the “Innovationspreis Losgröße 1 2025” as part of the “Innovator of the Year” competition and was also named a finalist for the Best of Industry Award 2025 in the category “Industrial Transformation”. Both honours recognise the company’s consistent approach to integrating sustainability, automation and digitalisation.

Notably, the award-winning concept is already being put into practice. In collaboration with wood&energy, HOLTEC is currently implementing a state-of-the-art log yard in Harperscheid based on the “Sawmill of the Future” principles. The project includes two fully electric portal crane systems with intelligent control and a digitally connected infrastructure, and is regarded as a flagship project for sustainable wood logistics in the Eifel region.

With this award, HOLTEC further strengthens its position as a leading innovator in modern log logistics and sustainable plant engineering for the wood industry.