In the annual competition , the toolmaking laboratory WZL at RWTH Aachen University and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT) identify the best tool construction in the German-speaking world. As in 2016, Phoenix Contact was the overall winner; in addition, the company won an award in the category “Internal Tool Construction with over 50 Employees”. The jury particularly emphasized the technological development in the areas of Industry 4.0 and additive manufacturing over the entire Phoenix Contact group. “The strong focus on the future of the company’s internal tool construction is also evident in the high level of qualifications of its employees and its consistent staff development”, explained Klaus Hilmer, Head of Technological Development and Tool Making with last year’s winner, Festo Polymer from St. Ingbert, Saarland, in presenting the award.

Phoenix Contact also gained recognition for its Type 2 AC charging cable for the automobile industry: it is a winner in the “Special Mention” category at the German Design Awards 2019 .