Blum products are displayed at showrooms, home design shows and fairs for the furniture industry, such as Interzum in Cologne and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). Research Blum invests 4% of its annual revenue in research and development. In 2014, the company holds around 67 patents and 2.100 trademark rights in total. Blum Austria occupies second place in the invention rankings and ranks amongst Austria’s top ten patent candidates. The company has set up training rooms, laboratory kitchens and test-drive areas to identify requirements of kitchen fitters, manufacturers, sellers and kitchen buyers. Research insights have resulted in new and improved products and concepts for storage space planning in kitchens. Blum has won several awards in product quality and design. In 2013, the furniture manufacturer received the European Inventor Award in the "industry" category for its hinge system Blumotion. The invention assures that doors, drawers and lift systems close gently and silently. Apprenticeship training Blum Austria started its own apprenticeship system in 1970. The four-year program is a combination of class participation and practical training in the company. Students are able to learn high-tech professions in metal and plastics processing. Vocational training is common within central Europe, as young people are split at the age of 15 either to academic schools or to apprenticeships. Eight training programs are currently offered: In 1995, Blum USA introduced the in-house training program "Apprenticeship 2000" according to the Austrian model. The company cooperates with businesses in the community and the Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). As of September 2019, the company trains 363 apprentices, 21 of which are in the United States. Blum apprentices frequently take part in global competitions like WorldSkills, in which they have received several certificates of excellence. Blum is actively involved in a variety of initiatives with educational and training organisations, such as the Buckinghamshire New University Foundation Course for kitchen designers. Environment Blum started to install energy management systems as early as 20 years ago. The company has been certified to several international standards, including ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 50001. References Further reading Österreich « Nachrichten « wirtschaftsblatt.at Charlotte: Search Results Mercury News: Search Results Manufacturing companies of Austria Economy of Vorarlberg