Jean-Claude Jaufret, sales and marketing director of HOLWEG

HOLWEG has existed since 1889 when Charles and August Holweg set up a modest paper business. “Over the years, the company gained essential expertise in the paper packaging sector,” explains Jean-Claude Jaufret, sales and marketing director of HOLWEG. “Its know-how in the area of manufacturing multi-application flat and gusset bags was merged with the expertise of HG Weber, a specialist of manufacturing lines for multi-application square-bottom bags.”

Since 2012, HOLWEG is part of the investment fund Azulis and maintains several branch offices around the world. “Our global reach allows us to provide local services on all levels,” states the sales and marketing director. “In this regard, all departments, for instance sales, shipment and R&D, stay in continuous communication.”

At the present time, HOLWEG employs a team of 85 people at its French headquarters in Molsheim and was able to generate turnover of 17 million EUR last year.

The headquarters of HOLWEG are located in Molsheim, France

“Our core competence is found in the development, manufacturing and distribution of machines for the production of paper packaging products,” says Mr. Jaufret. “All machines are designed and manufactured according to the customer’s wishes and requirements and include specific solutions for thermally treated paper.”

HOLWEG’s declared goals are related to constant innovations and newly designed products for the growing demands and ideas of its global clients.

“We make use of technologies that allow for the processing of up to 2,500 sheets of paper per minute with a simultaneous cutting of five layers,” explains the sales and marketing director. “These paper-cutting machines find application in the food industry and are used for the production of cheese and fast-food packaging.”

1889-2014, 125 years of innovation

This extensive expertise attracts customers on the domestic and foreign markets. “At the moment, European markets make up 60% of our revenues,” states Mr. Jaufret. “Apart from that, we are also active in the USA, Canada, Asia and Africa. In Mexico and Brazil, we provide solutions for niche markets, for example for microwave popcorn packaging. In order to stay in contact with customers and make new contacts, we take part in international trade fairs regularly. In May 2014, we will be present at the Interpack in Dusseldorf, Germany.”

Generally, HOLWEG is open for many industrial sectors. “Our traditional business area is the food segment, which generates 80% of our sales in Europe,” says the sales and marketing director. “Furthermore, the cosmetics, medical, gift and design sectors rely on our products and services.”

In times where sustainability and environmentally conscious products define success on global markets, HOLWEG maintains an excellent position.

“A large proportion of our communication is based on the positive environmental impact of paper packaging,” explains Mr. Jaufret. “In West Africa, for instance, we notice increasing awareness of environmental issues and strict regulations on packaging. For these ecological needs, we have developed and distributed specific machinery.”

Caused by its diversity regarding export markets, the French enterprise even managed to withstand the latest European economical crises. “A green product and a presence on many foreign markets helped to maintain our leading global position,” states the sales and marketing director. “Even 2008 was a highly successful year for us.”