02.10.2010 - This year, Klingele Papierwerke celebrates the 50th anniversary of its corrugated board plant in Hilpoltstein (Bavaria). Since it was founded in 1960, The Klingele Group's second plant has developed into the central facility for Bavaria and Thuringia thanks to its growth-oriented, consistent company policy. Locals were able to take a look behind the scenes at the production facility for corrugated board packaging during an open day. Afterwards, employees and numerous guests from the worlds of business and politics continued the celebrations.
Positive growth rates thanks to modernization strategy
As part of the comprehensive modernization strategy of this family business, around 14 million euros have been invested in new machines, technologies, and building extensions at the Hilpoltstein facility during the last ten years. For example, back in 2005, an automatic finished product transport system was installed, providing the plant with the prerequisites for pallet-free production. In 2007, Klingele integrated a new Bobst 6-colour Masterline 2.1 die cutter/printer, a world innovation in the corrugated board sector. Two years later, both productivity and transport safety were improved thanks to the procurement of two new palletizers. "With targeted investment and dedicated employees, we have made sure that our Hilpoltstein plant - like all our other locations in Germany - is ideally prepared for the future. We can now lock forward to constant positive growth rates" says Dr. Jan Klingele, Managing Partner of the Klingele Group.
A major employer in the region
With around 200 employees and a business volume of 42 million euros, the Klingele Hilpoltstein plant is one of the largest industrial employers in the region. In addition, Klingele regularly trains up industrial merchants and industrial engineers/packaging technologists. Thanks to extensive training and qualification opportunities, the company's employees have plenty of scope for professional development. "Our employees feel a close connection with the company. We have a very low labour turnover rate and in some cases several generations of a single family work for us" says Bernhard Harrer, Plant Manager at Hilpoltstein. "Our employees have always been vital to the successful development of this location."