A process that began last year with an employee survey recently culminated in two workplace awards. Krones Inc. in Franklin, Wisconsin was honored as a “Top Workplace” both nationally by USA Today and locally by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

As part of the “Top Workplaces” program, Krones Inc. team members were asked to complete an anonymous workplace survey in late 2024. Using analytics to measure different aspects of the workplace experience, this research-backed engagement survey served as the backbone for both the national and regional award programs. Measuring themes of commitment, motivation, and energy, “Top Workplaces” uses benchmarks gained from years of analytics work with thousands of employers to determine its honorees. Over 600 Krones Inc. team members responded to the survey, with their positive responses leading directly to “Top Workplace” honors.

Having received some of the highest cumulative rankings among over 225 local companies, and thousands more nationally, Krones Inc. was happy to officially accept the “Top Workplaces” awards, first at a national event in Las Vegas, then again in a local Milwaukee-based ceremony. Obtaining the “Top Workplaces” badge is one of the highest marks of quality and proof that Krones Inc. is a destination workplace with a people-first culture. Just as one of the core statements of our employer brand describes: “With Krones I live a good life.”

“Being awarded on both a national and regional scale as a Top Workplace is a true honor that speaks volumes about our team,” says Holger Beckmann, CEO of Krones Inc. “As they exemplify our core values on a daily basis, it’s the passionate individuals that make up the Krones workforce that bring the Krones culture to life.”

Learn more about the “Top Workplaces” program and see the Krones Inc. employer profile.

It is about 60 percent faster than its predecessors and simultaneously reduces energy and water consumption in production: A new laser cutting system has been put into operation at the Neutraubling plant.

Our sheet metal production has made its decision: From now on, fiber lasers are the technology of choice. As early as 2016, the department replaced a CO2 laser system with the newer fiber technology. Now the consistent continuation follows: At the turn of the year, the remaining three CO2 laser cutting systems – some of which were 20 years old – were retired and replaced by a single fiber laser machine.

The decision is directly derived from our climate and environmental policy, which prescribes company-wide standards for avoiding and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Fiber laser technology consumes less energy from the outset than a CO2 laser. Additionally, we now have only one system in operation instead of three,” says Martin Landendinger, head of sheet metal production. Another advantage: Along with the old laser systems, the associated and now quite aged cooling tower could also be retired. This, in turn, reduces water consumption in production.