The ZVEI is one of the most important manufacturers' associations in Germany. It represents the interests of a high-tech branch with a very widely varied and extremely dynamic product portfolio. At ZVEI member companies are the "sovereign". They define the guidelines of the association's activities and vote for the board. They are assisted by ZVEI employees. Associations such as ZVEI, on the one hand, provide particular impetus to democracy itself by pooling and representing interests. On the other hand, they themselves function by virtue of their internal structure as a model of a successful democratic organization. Co-determination and democracy play a vital role within ZVEI, as well. This means that foremost members decide who is to "put a face" to ZVEI and what he stands for. Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for 170 years. The company is active around the globe, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2017, which ended on September 30, 2017, Siemens generated revenue of €83.0 billion and net income of €6.2 billion. At the end of September 2017, the company had around 377,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com