CRAILSHEIM, GERMANY — Despite the extraordinary global challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, packaging machine manufacturer Gerhard Schubert GmbH announced that it had posted a positive business result above its pandemic-related forecast adjustments at the beginning of the year, reporting an increase in turnover of 2.5% in the 2020 financial year, representing sales of total of 281 million euros ($329.8 million USD). The company credited the increase to cautious management and dedicated commitment to its 1,450 employees during the pandemic. Driven by growth in the US and Europe, Schubert said it experienced a 25% increase in incoming orders compared with the previous fiscal year.
“Thanks to the measures implemented to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our operations, we have a very low number of employees who fell ill overall. We have been and continue to be able to work and deliver to our customers at all times,” explained Peter Gabriel, commercial managing director of Gerhard Schubert GmbH.
The company has also benefitted from its digital technology advances, according to Marcel Kiessling, managing director, sales and service. “Our capabilities for virtual machine approvals, AR-supported service processes and digitally supported commissioning at customer sites have naturally proven very successful in customer support in 2020 and will continue to be an important focus of our development in the coming years,” Kiessling said.
Despite restrictions on travel and availability of service staff, Schubert also achieved a significant service revenue increase. “A key focus is to increase and optimize performance tracking,” Kiessling noted. “Added to this is the customization of our services – flexible and adaptable to specific customer requirements.”
In the US and Europe, Schubert’s growth is driven by its preconfigured lightline machine series, as well as advances in the development of tools for process optimization using predictive maintenance (GRIPS.world), on-demand 3D printing processes for additive manufacturing in plastics and metal, and sustainable packaging solutions, as well as a strong focus on consulting.
