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Tag: Hugo Beck

Family Leadership Passes to Third Generation at Hugo Beck

Posted on by David Priestman

Hugo Beck, a manufacturer of horizontal packaging machines, has announced the appointment of Simon Beck and Jonas Beck as Managing Directors. As grandsons of company founder Hugo Beck, they represent the continued leadership of the family business in its third generation.

The appointments follow the departure of Timo Kollmann as Managing Director who is taking on a new professional opportunity after 20 years with Hugo Beck. During his tenure, he played a key role in driving innovation, strengthening the company’s market position, and contributing to its overall development.

Founded in 1955 as a modest mechanical workshop in Dettingen/Erms, Germany, the company initially focused on producing turned parts before its founder launched the first film packaging machines in 1962. In 1976, it introduced its first automated horizontal poly-bag machine—cementing its role as a pioneer in horizontal packaging technology. Through the 1980s and ’90s, the firm expanded globally, adopting servo drive systems in 1996 to become a recognized technological leader and exporting half of its output by 1990. Over the decades, it broadened its portfolio—adding bundle-wrappers, flowpack systems, paper-packaging solutions, high-speed mailing machines, and robotic automation. Its innovative streak earned the company the German “Top 100” innovation award four times (2006, 2011, 2016, 2022). Today, the firm remains family-owned and globally renowned, delivering tailored, sustainable horizontal packaging systems across film and paper formats.

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70 Years of Packaging Innovation Celebrated

Posted on by David Priestman

Packaging machinery specialist Hugo Beck celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025. To mark the occasion, the company will host two Open House events on 7th and 8th May as well as on 14th and 15th May 2025 at its headquarters in Dettingen/Erms, near Stuttgart, Germany.

Since its founding in 1955, Hugo Beck has been at the forefront of horizontal packaging technology. The mid-1950s was a time of rapid industrial growth and cultural change – Rock and Roll was taking the world by storm, the first Disneyland theme park opened its gates, and automation was revolutionising industries. That same time, Hugo Beck was established as a small, family-run mechanical workshop for turned parts.

Over the next seven decades, as Hugo Beck developed a strong reputation across a wide range of industries and sustainability became a driving force, the company has grown into a globally recognised supplier of customised packaging and automation solutions. Today, the company remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering fully automatic horizontal film packaging, flowpack, and paper packaging machines with speeds ranging from 3,000 to 18,000 cycles per hour.

The two Open House events will feature live demonstrations across Hugo Beck’s full machine portfolio, giving visitors a close-up look at the company’s packaging solutions tailored for diverse industries, including e-commerce, pharmaceutical and medical technology, food and confectionery, wood and large format products and much more. Guests will be able to explore the showroom and production areas, with experts on hand to answer questions and provide insights into machine capabilities. These demonstrations will highlight how Hugo Beck’s machines enhance both efficiency and sustainability in packaging operations.

A key part of the events will be expert lectures from the Sustainable Packaging Institute (SPI) of the Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, addressing crucial trends in sustainable packaging and regulatory developments. Institute Director Prof. Dr. Markus Schmid will explore practical solutions for sustainable packaging and their role within a circular economy, while Alina Kleiner, Scientific Researcher at the SPI, will provide an overview of the latest EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and its implications for businesses. Additionally, Mara Strenger, Deputy Institute Director at the SPI, will offer insights into the new EU Green Claims Directive and examine how sustainability can be assessed and and how this may conflict with consumer perception and acceptance.

“Celebrating 70 years of innovation is a testament to the dedication and vision that has driven Hugo Beck from its humble beginnings to a global leader in packaging technology,” said Timo Kollmann, Managing Director at Hugo Beck. “We’re excited to open our doors to partners, customers and prospects for this milestone event, showcasing how our solutions will keep on shaping the future of packaging.”

With 70 years of family-owned heritage, Hugo Beck is built on the expertise of over 100 employees, delivering renowned, customer-specific packaging solutions. Over 300 apprentices have graduated over the years, contributing to the company’s continued innovation.

Throughout its history, Hugo Beck has pioneered key packaging innovations, from its first film packaging machines in 1962 to the introduction of the first automated horizontal polybag machines on the market in the 1970s. By continuously expanding its machine range the company grew globally, with exports reaching 50% by the 1990s. Embracing its position as technology leader, Hugo Beck introduced servo drive technology in 1996, set a world record in 2002 with the fastest phone card packaging machine, and expanded to its 7,700 m2 production site in 2006. In 2015, the company added robotic systems to its automation technology, and in 2019, launched a new generation of flexible, hybrid machines for film and paper packaging. And, during the e-commerce boom of 2020, Hugo Beck launched the paper e-com fit paper packaging machine, offering a unique and sustainable solution for e-commerce and mail order sectors.

“As Hugo Beck looks to the future, our focus remains on innovation, automation, and sustainability,” said Timo Kollmann. “With seven decades of experience, we continue to develop advanced packaging solutions that enable businesses to optimise their processes while meeting evolving environmental standards. The 70th Anniversary Open House events will showcase these advancements and provide a platform for discussions on the future of packaging.”

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Hugo Beck Showcases Ecommerce Packaging

 

Ecommerce Packaging Machine Range Extended

Posted on by David Priestman

Hugo Beck, an innovator in horizontal film and paper packaging machines, has introduced significant upgrades to its product line, enhancing the capabilities for e-commerce, mail order and logistics applications.

The new paper e-com rapid machine model introduces improved speeds and efficiency to Hugo Beck’s existing portfolio. Capable of a maximum packaging speed of 900 cycles per hour, the new machine offers packaging with two sewn sides and two glued sides, ensuring secure and precise fitting shipping bags. By automatically adjusting the shipping bag size to accommodate varying product dimensions in both length and width during production, the paper e-com rapid enables efficient packaging of different product sizes in a mixed batch.

The paper e-com rapid is the latest addition to Hugo Beck’s machine line for e-commerce applications. Alongside its predecessor, the paper e-com fit, users now have access to two performance classes tailored to meet the demands of sustainable paper packaging for the e-commerce, mail order, and logistics sectors.

“Delivering sustainable packaging solutions with increased speed and efficiency continues to drive innovation at Hugo Beck,” said Timo Kollmann, Managing Director at Hugo Beck. “Our goal is to future-proof our customers’ packaging processes through the integration of fully automated packaging machines like the paper e-com rapid. This helps reduce downtime, improve product packaging quality, and enhance efficiency and sustainability.”

The paper e-com fit allows for the storage of two paper rolls of different widths. After scanning the product, the machine determines the necessary paper web width and selects one of the two paper rolls, thereby minimising paper use. In contrast, the paper e-com rapid achieves higher packaging speeds by utilising two identical paper webs.

Both the rapid and the original paper e-com fit models are designed to use minimal paper while effectively packaging goods. These machines are suitable for the direct dispatch of individual items, packing groups of products, and handling the complexities of returned goods packaging. They can process both uncoated and coated recyclable papers to create precisely fitting paper bags with two sewn sides and a glued top overlap and now as an alternative with two glued sides. By minimising material use and adapting to various product sizes up to 200mm tall, this range supports sustainable shipping practices within the e-commerce industry.

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Hugo Beck Showcases Ecommerce Packaging

 

Packaging Machines Debut at LogiMAT

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Hugo Beck is underlining its position as a leading innovator in horizontal film and paper packaging solutions with the debut of three machines on Booth 4F66 in Hall 4 at LogiMAT, held at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre in Germany from March 19 – 21st.

As Europe’s biggest intralogistics exhibition, LogiMAT serves as an ideal platform for Hugo Beck to showcase its expertise in meeting industry-specific requirements with innovative, fully automatic film and paper packaging machinery. Though designed for varying business scales and products, each of the three machine solutions on display are united in demonstrating Hugo Beck’s ability to deliver effective packing of products in a way that is fast, efficient and sustainable.

On display is the flexo 700 e-com – Hugo beck’s entry level model for e-commerce, mail order and logistics. Automatically adjusting the film bags to match the product’s length and optionally also width, the flexo 700 e-com produces precise fitting shipping bags with the lowest possible material use. Suitable for the direct dispatch of individual goods, packing groups of products, or meeting the complex requirements of returned goods packaging, the machine processes various film types with different thicknesses, including recycled content films and recyclable mono-material films. Noteworthy features also include the ability to add an easy-opening perforation to the bags and insert a double-sided adhesive tape for re-sealing – an asset for handling returns seamlessly.

In addition, Hugo Beck introduces the paper packaging machine paper X e-com to LogiMAT audiences, renowned for its continuous packaging process, thus maximising efficiencies by ensuring that there is no downtime when sealing or glueing. Handling uncoated and coated paper for e-commerce packaging applications, the paper X e-com enables the use of sustainable packaging materials, whilst individually adapting the shipping bags to varying product lengths.

Packaging Machines Debut

The servo X 800 will also be making its debut on the Hugo Beck booth – a form fill and seal machine which sets standards in the horizontal large-format sector. With maximum modularity and flexibility, servo X 800 machines ensure the packaging of large items such as trays, multipack items, boxes or even car tyres ready for quick, easy and secure transportation. Its capabilities extend to handling thick film types through to ultra-thin films – with its extremely tight-fitting and precise packaging saving up to 15% in film usage.

Timo Kollmann, Managing Director at Hugo Beck, said, “The debut of three previously unseen machines at LogiMAT 2024 underscores Hugo Beck’s commitment to more automation and solutions addressing the most diverse needs of businesses in the e-commerce, mail order and logistics sectors. Each machine provides our customers with a competitive edge in their packaging processes, delivering efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility.”

Hugo Beck invites LogiMAT attendees to visit their Booth 4F66 in Hall 4 to see live demonstrations of its packaging solutions.

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Hugo Beck Showcases Ecommerce Packaging

 

Hugo Beck Returns to PACK EXPO Vegas

Posted on by David Priestman

Hugo Beck, a leading innovator in horizontal packaging machines, is returning to the highly anticipated PACK EXPO in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As one of the most prominent trade shows in the packaging industry, PACK EXPO provides an ideal platform for Hugo Beck to showcase its latest film and paper packaging solutions for primary and secondary packaging, alongside its diverse range of packaging styles for industries such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and medical technology or confectionery.

Taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Centre from September 11 – 13, visitors to booth N-11243 in the North Hall can witness Hugo Beck’s cutting-edge packaging machinery which help to reduce material consumption, drive greater efficiency, and improve recyclability.

“Building upon our successful track record of European exhibitions this year, PACK EXPO is a chance for Hugo Beck to highlight our commitment to the American market, with our continuous investment in cross-industry machine innovation for efficient and sustainable packaging concepts,” explains Timo Kollmann, Managing Director at Hugo Beck.

Consequently, the focus at PACK EXPO will be the paper e-com fit packaging machine – the first time it has been on display in the United States. Ideal for e-commerce and mail order applications requiring minimal material to package goods, the paper packaging machine is suitable for the direct dispatch of individual goods, packaging groups of products, or meeting the complex requirements of returned goods packaging. Automatically adjusting the shipping bag size to varying product dimensions to minimize material use, the paper e-com fit can process both uncoated and coated recyclable papers to produce a new type of dispatch packaging, with two sewn sides.

Hugo Beck’s paper e-com fit will also feature as part of Vice President of Polypack, Emmanuel Cerf’s presentation on the packaging manufacturer’s journey towards sustainability. This will take place on the Innovation Stage on Monday, September 11 at 11:30am.

And with sustainability now a global issue across all industries, PACK EXPO attendees can hear how Hugo Beck’s packaging solutions can help meet their environmental objectives. Whether maximizing production efficiencies and replacing plastic films with paper or minimizing packaging materials used, the team will be on hand to highlight savings which can be effectively achieved in the production of film and paper bags, shrink packs and flowpacks.

“Following conversations with attendees at interpack 2023, it became clear that American customers would welcome our unique, resource-efficient packaging styles. One example: thanks to our extremely tight packaging technology, which is capable of material savings of 60-70%, we achieve precise, high-quality film shrink packaging results – a revolutionary breakthrough in the industry,” concluded Kollmann.

Representatives from Hugo Beck will be available on the PACK EXPO stand to talk through the company’s complete machine portfolio, now available for both sustainable paper packaging and sustainable film packaging, with resource saving technology.

Journey of Sustainable Packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

With the packaging industry eagerly anticipating the first interpack in six years, Hugo Beck – a world leading specialist in horizontal film packaging machines, flowpack and paper packaging machines as well as automation solutions – is welcoming visitors to its stand to see at first hand the significant improvements in machinery for sustainable packaging, including a brand-new solution for paper packaging.

Since the last interpack in 2017, Hugo Beck has invested heavily in introducing new film and paper packaging machines, as well as in improvements to existing machines and capabilities.
These advances will be showcased on the Hugo Beck stand, which will take visitors on a journey through the options available in paper and film packaging. Hugo Beck promises ‘the highest flexibility for today’s markets and tomorrows.’

A key focus will be on the ability to deliver sustainable packaging concepts and resource-saving machine technology. This includes futureproofing customers’ packaging processes through the integration of flexible, fully automated packaging machines, which help to reduce material consumption, drive greater efficiency and improve recyclability.

On the Hugo Beck stand (Hall 11, Stand G39)

– The Hugo Beck stand is highlighting individual packaging solutions for diverse industries and products. A brand new flexo paper packaging solution will be introduced to the market as a cost-effective entry model and a space-saving machine solution. As a hybrid variant of the company’s flexo machine series for paper and film the machine can be changed between packaging materials within minutes, making it perfect for a number of industries from e-commerce and logistics through to many others.

– The paper e-com fit for paper packaging, which is ideal for e-commerce applications, automatically adapts the size of shipping bags to the varying length and width of products. Different product sizes up to 200 mm tall can be packaged in a jumble using a minimum amount of paper. The precisely fitting paper bags feature two sewn sides plus a glued top overlap. As such, it opens up new possibilities for sustainable shipping packaging for the e-commerce, mail order and logistics sectors when it comes to direct dispatch of individual goods, packing groups of products or meeting the complex requirements of returns packaging.

– The flowpack X is a modular solution for air-tight film packaging and paper packaging. Easily adjusted to process varying packaging materials with a short changeover, and capable of coping with the most diverse heat and cold-sealable paper-based packaging materials and films with different thickness, the flowpack X enables optimum functionality for manufacturers seeking sustainable packaging materials. Offering air-tight film packaging, it is perfect for pharmaceutical or medical technology, but the flowpack X provides customers across multiple industries with ultimate flexibility and security when working with a variety of packaging materials.

– The continuous servo X Form Fill and Seal machines are capable of material savings of 60-70% through minimal use of film targeting diverse industries. Minimising the use of packaging material in the first place is a key requirement for sustainability. The servo X machine series is designed to ensure film use is as efficient as possible while delivering a consistently high, or even increased, output across all types of machine-compatible films, such as mono-material films, recycled content films and bioplastics. The amount of film required is reduced by simply using the company’s extremely tight packaging technology, which delivers a precision fit of the film and hardly any film waste during production. The environmental profile of film packaging can also be optimised by making it as thin and light as possible. Packaging machines from Hugo Beck process extremely thin packaging and shrink films starting from only 7 µm.

SEW-EURODRIVE is exhibiting Hugo Beck’s latest flowpack X for paper packaging, which is available with complete machine automation solutions from SEW-EURODRIVE on request. The selected drive and automation components from SEW-EURODRIVE have been expanded specifically due to Hugo Beck‘s sustainability requirements and now include components such as energy storage units and stepper drives. The use of an intelligent energy management system and the replacement of pneumatic drives with electromechanical drives significantly and measurably reduces energy requirements and makes compressed air unnecessary.

The use of an energy storage unit, in conjunction with the software modules from SEW-EURODRIVE, leads to stabilisation of the power supply and bridging of short-term voltage dips, to reduced peak loads as well as to controlled stops in the event of longer power failures. This means that the machine can also be used when the power grid is not stable or even when a power failure is expected.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to interpack, to see the huge strides we’ve made in terms of product development since the last show,” commented Timo Kollmann, Managing Director of Hugo Beck. The world has changed a lot over the past six years, with an increased focus on sustainability and significant growth in sectors such as e-commerce. Our latest solutions help customers to meet their challenges in terms of increased sustainability while still delivering on the key requirements for effective packaging such as protection and preservation of products.”

 

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