There are not many companies that can look back on almost 250 years of history. Since 1775 Kolbus, a family-owned company, based in Germany has not only successfully adapted to change but has time and again been actively involved in the future. The step from a blacksmith to a foundry in 1877, the development of the Rupert bookbinding machine in 1900, and worldwide expansion over the next 100 years in all areas of bookbinding are a few examples.
In 2018 Kolbus initiated another transformation with the sale of its perfect binder and book production assets. The company continues to actively shape change and drive towards future success with the motto ‘We are more than our past’. The following year, Kolbus acquired BCS, now renamed Kolbus Autobox Ltd, a company based in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire.
Kolbus is now focussed on specialised machines and systems for packaging production, casemaking machines and rotary die-cutting, together with a busy contract casting and component manufacturing division. Visible signs of this change include a new logo and the new corporate branding, underlined by the claim ‘Excellence in Motion’, which will be the Kolbus mission from now on.
Greg Bird, Kolbus UK Ltd Managing Director said, “Excellence in Motion exactly expresses what Kolbus has stood for in the past, still stands for today and will continue to stand for in the future. Working with graphic materials such as paper, board and adhesive demands the highest precision. We ensure that complex movement sequences are optimally coordinated for smooth-running, reliable and efficient production processes.”
Kolbus has relocated to new premises as of 13th July. Kolbus UK had spent over 40 years in its previous home in Milton Keynes, however it is now a different business and after such a long period, requirements have changed. The Kolbus Autobox Ltd site will be the new home for Kolbus UK. The premises allow the two businesses to co-exist and provide many opportunities for improved operational efficiencies resulting in a more efficient and improved comprehensive customer experience, with all the UK knowledge on one single site.
Kolbus UK has transferred all operations from Milton Keynes, including service and the spare parts department for Kolbus, Kolbus Autobox, Meccanotecnica and Maramatsu machinery.
