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 leader in 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.”
For more details on Hugo Beck’s 70th Anniversary Open Houses and to register attendance, visit: https://www.hugobeck.com/en/company/newsroom/events/open-houses-2025