In a sector defined by rapid innovation cycles and maximum quality and flexibility requirements, it is something of a rarity to see two companies work together so closely and successfully over decades as Focke & Co. and us. “Our cooperative partnership exemplifies the targeted benefits of synergies in developing solutions for the challenges faced by our tobacco industry customers,” declares Jürgen Heller, our Chief Sales Officer.
Dynamic relationship
The partnership between Focke and us commenced back in the 2000s. “Even then, our companies shared a vision of developing state-of-the-art solutions closely focused on customers’ needs,” remembers CSO Heller. “Much has changed since that time. Although we used to mainly develop make-pack combinations for producing and packaging conventional cigarettes, today, solutions for a wide range of modern tobacco products such as tobacco heating products also hold great importance. There is much to accomplish in the future too as we aim to continuously expand our joint portfolio to meet customers’ ever-evolving needs.” For Heller, the essence of this dynamic partnership is the aspiration to stay ahead of developments on the market through the joint solutions and the consolidated expertise of two highly specialized companies.
Traditions that unite
Just like us at Körber, Focke & Co. is able to look back on a long company history. Founded in Bremen in 1955 and based in nearby Verden since 1963, the company has made a name for itself worldwide as a reliable manufacturer of packaging machines. With a workforce of 2,200, this family enterprise supplies its premium packers to the tobacco, hygiene, tissue, food, and consumer industries. Our close cooperation enables Focke and us to supply perfectly matched solutions consisting of makers and packers.
“This brings considerable advantages for our customers since combining the strengths of the two companies creates highly integrated systems, thus maximizing efficiency and quality,” affirms Irmin Steinkamp, Sales Director at Focke & Co. “Our two companies share the same values: customer proximity, commitment, and technological excellence.”
Innovative capacity for a successful future
These values are the cornerstone of our successful cooperative partnership and are evident in each of the numerous joint machine installations. “Our close working relationship and mutual trust have made it possible to develop innovative, tailor-fit solutions which satisfy the exacting requirements of customers in the tobacco industry,” opines Heller. “Together with our partner Focke & Co., we have shown how continuous innovation and a strong emphasis on customer needs can achieve sustainable success. As a result, both companies and clients benefit from the joint expertise and the ability to quickly respond to market changes – a crucial factor for a successful future.”