Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler receives „Großer Tiroler Adler” medal from the state of Tyrol

2011-10-25 | INNSBRUCK/HERZOGENAURACH

Today Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler, shareholder of Schaeffler AG, was presented with the „Großer Tiroler Adler-Orden“, one of the highest distinctions of the state, by the Governor of Tyrol, Günther Platter. Governor Platter paid homage to Ms Schaeffler's services to the state of Tyrol at a presentation ceremony:

“Thanks to the personal commitment you show in your professional activities, you have done a truly extraordinary amount for Tyrol and the people of our state. You have set a good example for others, making use of your personal network for the benefit of Tyrol and the promotion of our state. Let me therefore offer you my sincerest thanks on behalf of the state of Tyrol.”

The „Großer Tiroler Adler-Orden“, introduced in 1970, honours individuals who have a particularly important relationship with the state of Tyrol in terms of politics, business or culture.

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler has received one of Austria's highest awards once before in 2007, the Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver with Star for Services to the Republic of Austria. Born in Prague, she grew up in Vienna. In 1963, having married Georg Schaeffler, she came to the town of Herzogenaurach in Franconia.

“I am delighted to receive the ‘Großen Tiroler Adler-Orden’. I have had a deep connection to the State of Tyrol since my childhood. I would like to thank the state parliament and Governor Platter for this honour. It gives me great pleasure to accept the award, which I also regard as a commitment to continue working in the interests of the state of Tyrol in the future.”

Following the death of her husband in 1996, Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler has consistently maintained his life's work. Under Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler's management, the business´ annual turnover and number of employees has tripled to around 10 billion euros and 70,000 employees respectively. The company, which today operates as a stock corporation, is owned entirely by the Schaeffler family.

With its three main brands INA, LuK and FAG, the Schaeffler Group is one of the world's leading suppliers of rolling bearings and linear products as well as a renowned automotive supplier for precision motor, gear and chassis components and systems. Today the Group stands for proximity to customers all over the world, outstanding innovation and the highest level of quality. In 2010 it generated a turnover of 9.5 billion euros at 180 locations in over 50 countries. The Schaeffler Group is one of the largest family-owned industrial companies in Germany and Europe.

In Austria, the Schaeffler Group is represented by its premises in Berndorf, near Vienna. This is home to the global flagship production facility for FAG wheel bearings as well as the distribution centre for rolling bearings from the brands INA and FAG. In Austria, Schaeffler employs over 650 people and has 40 trainees.