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Success stories from North Rhine-Westphalia

Condor Group

Addressing the skilled worker shortage through automation

During her "NRW Innovation Tour," Minister Mona Neubaur also visited the Condor Group in Salzkotten. With Condor MedTec GmbH, the group possesses expertise in the development and manufacturing of precision medical devices for surgical procedures. Condor Custom Solutions GmbH & Co. KG is a key service provider for wire EDM and milling technology as well as additive manufacturing. The group is increasingly addressing the severe shortage of skilled workers through automation.

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The challenge

Many an entrepreneurial success story began in a garage. Dominik Schulte and Ira Fecke-Schulte's father also started out in the garage of his private home almost 30 years ago. The toolmaker and industrial electronics technician developed an assistance system that allows surgeons to keep wounds open during operation. That garage is long gone. Today, the Condor Group, based in Salzkotten, employs around 80 people and has become a globally active medical technology provider. Condor MedTec focuses on surgical instruments and assistance systems for orthopedic, gynecological, and urological surgeries, among others. Another pillar of the business is Condor Custom Solutions – manufacturing precision components and providing services for various industries, from automotive to food processing. The Condor Group's most important asset is its highly qualified employees. However, the need for specialists is becoming an increasingly significant challenge. As the company grows, it requires more and more skilled workers. At the same time, a generational shift is underway due to demographic change. In the coming years, numerous employees will reach retirement age, further increasing the pressure. In addition, employee needs are changing. "We operate on a two-shift system," says Dominik Schulte, who has been managing the company group together with his sister since 2024. "Night shifts are no longer attractive to the younger generation; they don't fit into their idea of ​​work-life balance."

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  • Photos: Condor Group GmbH
  • Text: Lothar Schmitz, business journalist, Bonn
  • Publication: May 2025

Dominik Schulte, CEO of Condor

“Whenever we need to replace a machine in the future, the new machine will be equipped with robots.”

The innovation

Condor is tackling this challenge with increased automation. The company has begun equipping its milling machines with robots. The goal isn't to replace human labor with machines, but rather to make work more efficient and appealing. The idea is that the robots take over the night and weekend shifts, while skilled workers ensure they are optimally programmed and run smoothly, that the processes are correct, and that the robots have access to sufficient material. "It's demanding," admits Schulte, "but also attractive." Especially since employees don't have to be present all the time. The night shift for humans is eliminated—except for emergency services. These, in turn, can generally be handled remotely by the responsible specialists. "Thanks to increased digitalization, simple malfunctions can be resolved from home via computer," says Schulte. This makes the work more interesting and attractive. The company is having positive experiences with its first modernized machine. Despite the high investment costs, one thing is already clear: "Whenever we have to replace a machine in the future, the new machine will be equipped with robots," Schulte emphasizes.

The NRW effect/The location

To remain innovative, the Condor Group has established extensive networks in its East Westphalia-Lippe region. It is a member of the "it's OWL" competence network, the "InnoZent OWL" technology network, and the "owl Maschinenbau" network. "All these networks offer us the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, learn from each other, and develop concepts together," says Fecke-Schulte. This is essential, especially for a medium-sized company. "It's always enriching to see what our neighbors are capable of; this even leads to collaborations for joint product development – ​​and all of this is happening right nearby." The company also maintains many contacts with the scientific community. These include, for example, the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechatronic Systems Design IEM. The University of Paderborn and the Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences are also attractive sources of student trainees. "Here in North Rhine-Westphalia, we are very grateful for the high concentration of industry and academia," says Fecke-Schulte.

This success story of an innovative transformation was published in May 2025. No updates or reviews of the information have taken place since then.

More on the topic of health

Transformation through innovation

Background of the publication series

The publication series “Transformation through Innovation” aims to illustrate how companies in North Rhine-Westphalia have been able to write successful innovation stories thanks to the framework conditions created by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

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