In its 70th anniversary year, Hugo Beck Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG stands at a remarkable turning point. With Jonas and Simon Beck taking over the management, two grandsons of company founder Hugo Beck are now leading the family business into its third generation – continuing its longstanding success story. Looking back and ahead, they share their perspectives on defining milestones, key innovations, and their vision for the future of sustainable packaging technologies.

1. This year marks 70 years since Hugo Beck was founded. How significant is that anniversary for the company and the people behind it?

Simon Beck: It’s a major moment for all of us. Seventy years of business isn’t just a number, it’s a testament to the people behind Hugo Beck, past and present, who have helped shape our identity. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, from a small mechanical workshop in the 1950s to an international specialist in horizontal packaging machines. This anniversary is a chance to celebrate that legacy and look ahead.

Jonas Beck: It also represents continuity. We’re the third generation of family leadership, and that heritage means a lot to us. But we’re equally focused on building something future-ready, in terms of sustainability, digitalisation and customer support.

2. What are some of the most important milestones in Hugo Beck’s history?

Simon Beck: The launch of our first film packaging machines in the early 1960s was a big step. In the 1970s, we introduced automated horizontal polybag machines – a real breakthrough. Another highlight was the implementation of servo drive technology in the 1990s, which opened the door to greater precision and positioned us as a technology leader. In 2015, robotic systems were added to our automation solutions. Today our clients get their packaging solution either as a stand-alone system or as a highly automated complete solution.

Jonas Beck: We’ve always adapted. Whether it’s tight bag packaging for film-saving efficiency, hybrid machines for film and paper, or right-sized e-commerce packaging, each innovation has been driven by customer needs and industry shifts.

3. How has Hugo Beck responded to changing demands around sustainability in packaging?

Jonas Beck: Sustainability is  core to our machine development. We’ve invested heavily in technologies that minimise packaging materials without sacrificing performance. Our machines use just as much film or paper as needed.

We’ve expanded our paper packaging portfolio. Solutions like the paper e-com fit or paper X series let customers switch from film to paper while maintaining speed and flexibility. Our machines keep pace with developments in sustainable materials – from mono-material films and recycled content to bioplastics and ultra-thin films.

Simon Beck: Sustainability also means energy use, machine efficiency and lifecycle service. That’s why we offer tailored service packages to minimise repair needs and extend machine availability. Many Hugo Beck machines are still in use after 20 or even 30 years.

4. Tell us about the recent management changes. What do they represent for the future of the company?

Simon Beck: In July 2025, Jonas and I officially became Managing Directors, following Timo Kollmann’s departure after 20 years. We’re grateful for his contribution to our international growth. Curt-Jürgen Raiser also  remained with us as Managing Director until his retirement end of October this year to ensure a smooth transition.

Jonas Beck: This leadership change represents a generational shift and a renewed focus on agility and long-term innovation. We’re focused on developing flexible, high-performance packaging solutions for fast-changing markets.

5. With so many industries facing rapid change, how do you ensure Hugo Beck’s solutions continue to meet real-world production challenges?

Jonas Beck: Our focus is always on solving problems – reducing packaging waste, speeding up production, or switching materials . We work closely with customers to understand their challenges and adapt our technology.

Simon Beck: Flexibility is built into everything we do. Many of our machines are modular or hybrid, allowing users to switch between paper and film or run different formats on the same line.

6. What’s next for Hugo Beck as you enter your eighth decade?

Jonas Beck: We want to expand internationally while staying true to what makes us different: machine design quality, customer focus and tailored solutions. We’re committed to developing automation, digitalisation and paper packaging.

Simon Beck: The demand for smarter, more sustainable packaging will only grow. Whether it’s right-sizing, hybrid machines or fully automated lines, we want Hugo Beck to remain the partner of choice.

7. Finally, what message would you like to share with your customers and partners as you celebrate this 70-year milestone?

Simon Beck: Thank you for your trust and support. Many of our customer relationships go back decades, and that means everything to us.

Jonas Beck: Whether you’ve worked with us for years or are just getting to know Hugo Beck, we’re ready to help you find the perfect fit for your packaging needs.

HUGO BECK