International book project “The Secrets of German Family Businesses”: Pilz in profile - Success model of a German family business – a look behind the scenes

Family-run companies are a hallmark of the German economy. They combine a drive for innovation and quality with continuity and value orientation. With the book project “The Secrets of German Family Businesses”, the renowned Prestel publishing house focuses on the often hidden world of German family businesses. Firstly, the book sheds light on how the many highly successful family businesses contribute to the success and future viability of the German economy. Secondly, the book profiles 50 German family businesses and their individual success stories. Among the profiles is the automation company Pilz, which is regarded as a pioneer in machinery safety.

The book “The Secrets of Family Business” is divided into two parts: In the essay section, leading experts comment on current and future topics relating to German family businesses. The second part profiles family businesses that are particularly exemplary. The editorial focus is on values, success strategies, innovation and tradition. 
As a third-generation family business, editors selected Pilz as one of 50 companies to be profiled. 

From glass-blowing to “Ambassador for Safety”

The Pilz profile shows its development from the glass-blowing company founded in 1948 by Herrmann and Hertha Pilz, through Peter Pilz's transition into the technology sector, to becoming the pioneer and world market leader in safety automation. Pilz therefore exemplifies the economic upturn in Germany after the Second World War. 
Today, the company and its 42 subsidiaries are managed by siblings Susanne Kunschert and Thomas Pilz. As an ambassador for safety, Pilz is committed to Safety and Security worldwide. 
Pilz is recognised worldwide as a pioneer in the field of machinery safety. With its PNOZ products, the world's first safety relays, and PSS3000, the first safe, freely programmable control system (PLC), Pilz has written industrial history. Even in the recent past, the family business from Ostfildern has demonstrated its versatility and drive for innovation. Pilz anticipated the technological transition and actively helped to shape the path to Industrie 4.0.

“Pilz has continuously changed. One thing common across all times of transformation is joy in innovation”, says Susanne Kunschert, explaining one of the secrets of success.


“The Secrets of German Family Businesses” at a glance:
Publisher: Prestel Publishing
Language: English
Publication date: 
   - 17 December 2025 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
   - 20 January 2026 in Great Britain
   - 3 March 2026 in the USA
Retail price: 65 € / 55 GBP / 70 US$
Pages: 304
ISBN: 978-3-7913-9190-8

• Further information on the book