Schubert’s open days success paves the way for its return
The new office building rooftop unveiled at the Schubert Days event in Crailsheim. Pic: Schubert
A key open day event for Germany’s Gerhard Schubert has been hailed a success by the packaging machinery specialist, which has confirmed the event is set to become a regular fixture in its operations, writes Neill Barston.
The recent showcase at its Crailsheim site was delivered in the wake of a €45 million investment in the location, which has undergone an extensive expansion of its production facilities, as well as adding to its administrative capabilities.
More than 100 visitors attended its event from 14 countries, which included the opportunity to take part in a tour of the new assembly hall – offering a wealth of information about packaging automation. The TLM packaging systems in operation were also on display with special lighting and music. There were many opportunities to discuss current developments, trends and challenges in the consumer goods industry.
In addition to sector presentations, participants had an opportunity to visit the company’s recently completed new premises – consisting of an assembly hall and office complex. The investment represents a significant step towards a sustainable future for Schubert in three respects. Not only does the company now have 30 per cent more space for final assembly and a state-of-the-art working environment for over 300 employees, the buildings are also 100 per cent carbon-neutral.
These are all factors that bring the packaging machine manufacturer closer to achieving its ambitious goals in the context of its Mission Blue Sustainability Initiative. Visitors noted the site’s climate-friendly design, and explored the office building’s rooftop terrace, complete with its scenic views.
“We are especially delighted to have welcomed customers from a wide range of sectors, such as the food, confectionery, beverage and cosmetics industries. Only those who have a solid understanding of the market environment, challenges and needs of their customers can successfully develop customised packaging solutions,” commented Marcel Kiessling, Managing Director of Gerhard Schubert.
Among the highlights of the Schubert Days event held on 5-6 June, was a presentation by Ralf Schubert, Managing Partner of Gerhard Schubert GmbH, who clearly showed that the company has not only been anticipating emerging technologies for decades, but also effectively bringing them to fruition. He took the guests on a journey back to the Schubert Future Forum in 2000, where his father Gerhard Schubert presented his very futuristic packaging machine concept. He then went on to present what Schubert is already achieving today, for example with the tog.519 Cobot and the use of AI.
As the business noted, Ralf Schubert then presented on future automation solutions virtually turns the previous Schubert concept of an integrated, interface-free system on its head. Perhaps still a utopian vision – but for Schubert, definitely the next logical development step.
He explained: “With this concept, we are making the packaging process adaptable without increasing the complexity of the machines. On the contrary, we are maximising simplicity for the user.”
Key presentations
The other presentations by keynote speakers also offered guests valuable insight into current issues the industry is facing. Bestselling author, neurologist and psychotherapist Dr Volker Busch revealed how our brains make decisions in uncertain and unpredictable times. Thomas Reiner, Managing Director of the Berndt & Partner Group, a management consultancy specialising in packaging design and sustainability, provided valuable insight into trends and developments in packaging design – pointing out the impact that various regulations will have on the packaging industry.
Stefan Krumme, Business Development Manager Transparency at Amazon Germany, also addressed a key topic in the industry – how e-commerce is influencing packaging design. Another highlight was the joint presentation by Gerhard Bart, Managing Director of Transaction Network, and our Schubert expert Sarah Busch, Head of Customer Training, on “How digitalisation and digital platforms can help tackle the challenges of today’s skills shortage”.
Marcel Kiessling added: “Following the Schubert Days, we conducted an online survey among the participants and received very positive feedback on both the presentation line-up and the keynote content. Many are also interested in a follow-up that would address topics such as ‘Digitalisation and automation’, ‘The role of robotics’, ‘Schubert’s visions’ and ‘The future of packaging machines’, which we would be happy to offer at upcoming Schubert Days.”
