The Germany based Panther Packaging Group, founded in Tornesch, Hamburg in 1902, is implementing another investment package for future growth. The WS Coswiger Wellpappe- und Papierverarbeitung company, owned by the Group since 2018, has already installed an additional flatbed die-cutter and will install a new jumbo inliner for large-format boxes in 2020. The company’s intralogistics is being partially renewed and additional land purchases have already taken place, or will take place in 2020, to allow a doubling of production and storage capacities.
Investment in state-of-the-art equipment is also taking place in the Group’s other companies to increase productivity and quality. Another three rotary die-cutters, an inliner, a 2100mm flatbed die-cutter and a fully automated intralogistics system, among other things, have already been ordered and will commence operation in 2019/20.
An additional neighbouring plot of land around the Altonaer Wellpappenfabrik plant in Tornesch has been acquired to create space for growth. Panther Display in Wustermark is also expanding. For example, a new 7b format litho-laminating printing machine is currently being brought into production to fulfil increasing customer requirements. Furthermore, an additional building with an area of approx. 11,000 sqm to co-pack packaging and displays has been brought into operation at the Wustermark packaging park.
The two new regular slotted case gluing machines installed at Wepoba Wellpappenfabrik in 2018 will be equipped with fully automatic logistics and in 2020 the machines will be fitted with feed and discharge robots.
As well as extensive investments in machines, equipment and land, the company is also investing to significantly reduce energy consumption to further lower its CO2 emissions. The Group already has a significantly low energy consumption relative to its production volume.
The debt-free company group will finance the entire investment programme from its own cash flow.
As in previous years investment in employee training will remain an absolute focal point for the Group. About €6m each year is being invested in staff training. From September 2019 onwards, for example, 133 apprentices will be trained for further growth.
Every employee’s child currently has a guaranteed apprenticeship. As a family business, Panther thereby opens up future opportunities for all employees’ families. In parallel, there are numerous measures to design attractive apprenticeships with Panther and to arouse young people’s enthusiasm. The apprentice-vehicle, a Panther Mini Oldtimer, stands ready in the factories for many apprenticeship campaigns.
Together with ever-increasing bureaucracy in all areas, the company regards Germany’s energy policy compared to that in other countries as one of the biggest risks over the coming years, since it puts German companies at a big competitive disadvantage. But the Panther Group’s biggest market opportunities are based on its products, because corrugated products of all types are environmentally friendly, sustainable, recyclable and there will certainly be an even stronger demand for corrugated board products as plastics are replaced by substitutes.
All these personnel and technology investments are being undertaken in order to remain a competent, agile, flexible partner at the highest level for customers and to carry forward the successful collaboration with all customers into the next generation.
