Success story with a future

As it is in the United States, Schubert is successful in Canada thanks to its outstanding German quality and flexibility, as well as its well-conceived system layouts. In recent years, interest in Schubert has increased in North America as well as in emerging markets. Schubert currently generates close to 75 percent of its turnover in the confectionery, food and pet food sectors. But in both the United States and Canada, there are still companies who do not yet know Schubert. “Especially in smaller firms, for example in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, we still see many opportunities,” explains Gerald Schubert. As well, many customers are active on both sides of the border. Through the centralized management, the same high level of service will be offered in both countries.

In the early years, Canadian and American customers had to travel to Crailsheim, Germany, for training. Due to travel restrictions following 9/11, a decision was made to set up a Schubert training center in the US. In 2012, the first training machine was moved to Schubert Packaging Systems in Dallas. Now the training center is moving to Charlotte, along with a second training machine. The new training center is a key component of Schubert’s service in the US and is now just a few hours away by car for many customers.

The infrastructure is also ideal to find highly qualified personnel. Schubert is currently developing its team for North America to address a broader range of customer requirements and to acquire new customers. “We’re looking for dynamic candidates who are willing to learn and who will be loyal to us over time,” explains Fritz Kipfer. “They should be motivated to grow with Schubert and should definitely be interested in the challenge, not only the paycheck. It’s important to us that they have their own ideas and good training. Since many of our processes are not fixed in stone, candidates shouldn’t be too process-oriented, but rather have flexible, independent personalities. If a candidate speaks German or at least understands the German culture, it would certainly be an advantage. But of course, we’re open to all nationalities.”

Today, with an annual turnover of approx. 50 million US dollars, North America represents the largest market segment for the Schubert Group. Schubert plans to double its current sales revenue to 100 million US dollars for the North American market within the next five years.

“With the new headquarters and new organization, Schubert is now able to better support its ambitious North American customers who are ready to meet increasing market challenges and who want to set themselves apart from their competitors,” says Gerald Schubert. “Schubert North America is ideally positioned to deliver an important tool for success to innovative companies in a wide variety of industries.”