The trophy for the benchmarking award - The Factory of the Year/GEO - embodies the symbiosis of human being and machine. The Belgian sculptor, Henri Lannoye, created a wide variety of effects in his work. The shape of the head, for example, is designed in line with the first human being - the homo sapiens discovered in Africa. The computer chips in both hollow cavities at the front of the head symbolize the high value placed on our scientific and technological progress.

The GEO Award evaluates companies beyond the factory, strongning the entire supply chain and product development for a business unit.