75 years of Göpfert – a remarkable milestone. When you reflect on the company’s history, what fascinates you the most?

André Göpfert: What fascinates me most is that my father was a visionary who saw the potential in the corrugated cardboard sector and had the courage to build the company. Of course, I also think of my mother, who was both a businesswoman and a mother, and my sister, with whom I have made many important decisions over the years. You travel the world and have experienced many countries. Would this success story have been possible anywhere else?

In principle, yes – but not everywhere. This region is characterized by its down-to-earth nature; the people here are hardworking and deeply connected to the company. The Göpfert name is vital to the community. Around 500 families rely on the company for their livelihood. Wiesentheid and the surrounding area have sometimes been challenging, but we feel deeply rooted here and at home.

What fascinates you about corrugated cardboard as a material?

In the past, boxes were made from wood, but then corrugated cardboard came along and started its remarkable journey. There is no other material that is as stable and versatile as corrugated cardboard. It plays an essential role in society and will continue to be indispensable. What concerns me, however, is the amount of waste we produce on Earth, especially plastic packaging. Corrugated cardboard, on the other hand, is 100% recyclable, making it a truly sustainable choice. Looking at the latest machine from your company, the G-Cut in combination with the Ovation, you see a marvel of technology. What makes it special?

There were many stages of development leading to this machine. What distinguishes the Ovation, and indeed all our products, is its precision, accuracy, and ease of use. These qualities ensure that we remain ahead of the competition.

When you think of your grandparents, what memories come to mind?

My grandparents’ generation was very different from today’s. They didn’t have the luxury of worrying about things like holiday plans or the latest electronics. It was about bare survival; you had to work as much and as long as you could. Have you adopted some of this work ethic? I’ve been with Göpfert for around 45 years, starting in the company when I was a young boy. I’ve worked in every department – from the drilling shop to final assembly, commissioning, and even setting up machines at customer sites. After completing my engineering degree, I trained as a flexographic printer at DFTA. I can honestly say that I know the meaning of hard work. Is that one of the secrets to the company‘s success? The success of the company is a collective effort. As I mentioned, the people at Göpfert are hardworking and grounded. Influenced by the agricultural tradition in this area, we live by the motto: no pain, no gain. Another important factor is always listening to the customer, responding to market needs, and providing excellent after-sales service. Without setbacks, there would be no ambition, and without ambition, there would be no success. This holistic approach is what keeps driving us forward. Is the acquisition of other companies an issue for you? With our latest acquisition of Corrpal in Sweden, where we already held a 50% stake for many years, acquisitions have become a more relevant topic. The company aligns well with our product portfolio, so it made sense to bring it fully into the fold. However, we want to focus on corrugated cardboard – that’s our core business. Your company has always been resilient and financially sound, whether during the global financial crisis in 2009 or the coronavirus pandemic. How do you deal with crises? That’s right. In 2008, we only needed to introduce short-time working for a brief period before returning to normal operations. Crises, including wars, are beyond our control. What we can do is approach them strategically and respond to the needs of the moment. What changes do you foresee in the industry? Corrugated cardboard is an excellent material that offers many advantages, so I’m confident it will remain relevant. While I can’t predict the exact changes in technology, the core purpose of corrugated cardboard as a low-cost transport and packaging material will likely stay the same. Its recyclability ensures it will continue to play a key role in packaging for the foreseeable future. What has been the most important milestone in your career? The transition from the ‘Königswelle’, a traditional gear-driven main drive, to servo technology was a pivotal moment. This shift not only helped us maintain our lead over competitors but also extended it, resulting in shorter production times, greater efficiency, and improved accuracy. How do you plan to maintain this lead? We remain innovative and ensure our marketing efforts are aligned with our goals. We also stay closely attuned to market trends and listen to what our customers need. By combining innovation with customer feedback, we aim to stay ahead. What can customers always count on from Göpfert?

Our unwavering support. We offer 24/7 hotline support, direct on-site contact, and quick, unbureaucratic problem-solving. Why are you optimistic about the company’s future?

While I’m cautious about unrestrained optimism, I do have concerns about changing work attitudes. Terms like home office, work-life balance, and four-day workweeks dominate the discussion, but in the past, hard work – including Saturday shifts – was common. Skilled workers were abundant, and overtime made up for this. Today, I’m concerned about these changes, but I believe if we return to a strong work ethic, the company can continue to thrive. What advice would you give to the next generation?

I hope the next generation will recognize and address the challenges I’ve mentioned. The success of any company always depends on its people. The less effort employees put in, the less successful the company will be. I wish the next generation the best of luck in fostering a return to a strong work ethic at Göpfert.