Vetter, the Germany-based contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has been named a Best Managed Company for the sixth consecutive year. The award recognises firms that demonstrate strategic foresight, strong governance and sustained performance, with a particular focus in 2025 on the contribution of family-owned businesses to the economy.

Presented on May 22 at the Gesellschaftshaus Palmengarten in Frankfurt, the accolade comes during Vetter’s 75th anniversary year. It reflects the company’s continued emphasis on aligning long-term business development with core values such as quality, responsibility and sustainable growth.

The Best Managed Companies programme is run by Deloitte Private in collaboration with UBS, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and the Federation of German Industries. To qualify, companies must show consistent achievement across four pillars: strategy, innovation and productivity, culture and commitment, and governance and finance.

New this year was an added dimension to the judging criteria – an evaluation of how family-run companies embed their identity into day-to-day operations. According to Markus Seiz, Programme Lead at Deloitte Private, Vetter stood out for its ability to combine commercial success with responsible, values-led management.

Vetter ended 2024 with 11 percent sales growth, generating 1.1 billion euros. The company now employs 7,000 people globally and invested 269 million euros in its sites in Germany, Austria and the United States. These investments support the ongoing production of complex injectable drugs and reflect the company’s strategy of organic growth.

The CDMO has also prioritised the digital transformation of its business. Active projects include AI and machine interaction, digitisation of production processes, and strengthening of cyber and cloud infrastructure. These are supported by an internal innovation programme designed to identify and implement emerging technologies.

Managing Director Titus Ottinger said the award process provides valuable external feedback that helps shape future development. He noted that the recognition from experienced professionals across different sectors affirms the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices.

Earlier this year, Vetter published its fourth comprehensive sustainability report, which details its environmental, economic and social initiatives. The company’s ability to consistently meet both business and ethical benchmarks reinforces its role as a dependable partner to pharma and biotech customers worldwide.