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The boldness to try new things and the belief that anything is possible have laid the foundation for Leader Foods Oy, the number one manufacturer of deluxe snack and protein bars in Finland. Its new protein bar made of crickets is not just a PR stunt but a new way of introducing a nutritious and sustainable source of protein to consumers. Lately, Leader’s new protein snack bar has become another example of the company’s ability to launch products that are healthy and taste good. And it is not just the Finnish consumer who loves Leader bars.

The world is growing taller: If a lack of suitable land means you can’t build outwards, why not build upwards instead? A logical solution, which many companies have adopted. Storage facilities in particular are often over 10 m high, which demands special equipment to lift and transport goods. WEP-Weisshaupt GmbH is a specialist in the production of individually optimized lifting mechanisms and other equipment for efficient and effective storage.

Waterjet cutting is a manufacturing method using a high-pressure jet of water, or a combination of water and an abrasive, to cut a wide variety of materials. It has many advantages, including high quality cutting results, no thermal impact on the material and environmental friendliness. StM Stein-Moser GmbH is a technology leader in this sector, with operations in Austria and Germany. Through constant product innovation and excellent customer service, the company is aiming to become the top supplier in Europe in this fast evolving market.

Passion fosters entrepreneurial succes – this statement is the perfect opening line for our interview with Johannes Kwizda, Member of the Management Team at Kwizda Group. The Austrian company ranks among the leading conglomerates in the country with its strong focus on healthcare, agricultural products and construction materials. European Business talked to Mr. Kwizda about the continued rise of the Austrian family business and how it manages to keep the delicate balance between honouring past tradition and looking to the future.

Bioprocess Pilot Facility B.V. in the Netherlands puts its clients’ scale-up trials to the test. Unique in its sector, BPF scales chemical and biotechnological processes from the lab to precommercial scale and even further. But it is not just the company’s services that set it apart: it is its unique approach. Eric Goossens, Managing Director of BPF, explains more.

The past 30 years have seen tremendous advances in the world of electronics and automation. When the digital revolution began, many predicted that automation would eventually spell the end of employment as we know it. So far, this gloomy outlook has not come to fruition, and many believe it never will. Jack Pukal, CEO of Polish engineering company PROSTER Sp. z. o.o., is one of those who believe automation will continue to bring positive developments to the industrial workforce.

A long tradition in steel-making and a passion for innovation: The history and structure of Italian manufacturer Acciaierie Bertoli Safau SpA (ABS) created the perfect foundation for the company to develop a unique ability to meet the needs of the most demanding markets around the world. As one of the leading players in steel production, ABS prides itself on the quality of its products and services, and is striving to further enhance its competitive edge with a three-pronged focus on sustainability.

Why do so many incompetent men become leaders? – A question that might spark many a heated discussion. For psychologist and author Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic it is also the title of choice for his current publication. European Business talked to the Argentinean-born scientist about the mistake of equating confidence with competence and the current ignorance of scientific data in public debate.

Enjoying the freedom of the open road on two wheels is an intrinsic piece of modern American mythology. No bike expresses this more than the hand-made, customized machines ARCH Motorcycle Company, which was founded on the idea of redefining the American performance cruiser. European Business talked to Gard Hollinger, joint-founder of ARCH Motorcycle Company about where he finds inspiration for his motorcycle designs, having a Hollywood star as a partner and whether he has a favourite bike in the new portfolio.

Often the foundation of a company leads to a thriving success when it involves a personal story and the founder himself is driven by passion for his well-aimed vision. This is truly the case with Cair LGL whose founder survived serious illness and knew from his own experience which medical products would best meet patients’ and healthcare professionals’ needs in the fields of infusion, chemotherapy, nutrition and suction. Georges Gaston Lopez, the founder of Cair LGL, experienced from a patient’s point of view how to improve treatment of patients with kindey-failure and make life more liveable in the long run.

If one thing is certain in life, it is uncertainty. Things happen: Illness, fire, accidents, death and a myriad of other calamities can occur. Fortunately, humanity came up with insurance, which, while not a solution or prevention against strokes of fate, provides financial support when times get tough. AXA is one of the biggest names in the insurance sector, and among the companies under its umbrella is L’Ardenne Prévoyante in Belgium. L’Ardenne Prévoyante provides insurance to the French-speaking regions of the country, focusing on private customers as well as small and medium-sized businesses. CEO Vincent Lambert spoke with European Business about how things are changing in the insurance business and how the company continues moving forward.

For longer distances, flying may get you where you want to go faster than taking the bus, but you will invariably miss out on a lot on the way. And, in this age of flight shame, bus travel beats flying hands down from an environmental perspective. Italian bus company Inter Saj Srl has been offering passenger services since 1925, and believes there is still plenty of mileage in its business model.