"It is small- and medium-sized enterprises that make us strong," the Chancellor said following her visit to Opitz Holzbau. The Neuruppin-based firm owns Europe's biggest roof construction factory.

However, the firm has made a particular name for itself for using renewable energies sensibly and sustainably. The factory has, for instance, fitted solar collectors onto its roofs, and they generate five times as much energy as is required in production.

The firm is also involved in charitable projects. It is currently sending solar thermal collectors free of charge to the Italian earthquake region. The area in the Abruzzi was hit by massive earthquakes in April this year. 

Innovations first need investments

Angela Merkel in particular highlighted the firm's sustainable economic activity and innovative developments, which, she felt, opened up great opportunities for the federal states in eastern Germany . However, in the global economic crisis those opportunities were also a disadvantage, because these firms need big loans to be able to produce innovations.

But banks were currently still being cautious in their lending, the Chancellor said. That was why she promised to do more at European level to help ease the credit crunch. In addition, she again came out against any form of protectionism, since innovative firms like Opitz Holzbau export their new products across the whole world.

Opitz Holzbau was founded in 1992. It now employs 54 people, and in 2008 had a turnover of 9.5 million euros. Its sister company, Opitz Solar, was founded in 2006. Opitz Holzbau's core competence is industrial roof truss and wooden panel construction.

The firm concentrated on ecological construction methods at an early stage. It was the first firm in its branch of industry to pass the eco-audit, for instance. It has been benefiting from the advantages of solar energy since the 1980s.

A new factory was built in Neuruppin in 2007/08, housing a high-tech production facility for roof trusses and an "EnergyPlus" oepration. Its innovative range of products comprising wood panel and solar compeonents won it the TOP 100 quality seal in May 2009. 

SMEs - the heart of the German economy

Around 70 per cent of German firms are classed as SMEs. Many of them are family-owned businesses. SMEs also train the most young people.

One of the particular characteristics of SMEs is their great willingness to achieve and their sense of responsibility. Often there is a close relationship between the management and the workforce. Social responsibility is another priority.

At the same time, SMEs are able to adapt relatively quickly to market conditions. That is why small- and medium-sized enterprises can contribute so much to help us overcome the crisis as quickly as possible.