From 1 October, Schubert Packaging Systems and Schubert Packaging Automation will operate from new headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, US as the firms further improve their service to customers in the US and Canada.
At the same time, the company is changing its name to Schubert North America. With the current offices in Dallas, Texas and Toronto, Canada remaining in place, Schubert is strengthening its commitment to North America, which is the largest market segment for the German packaging systems Group.
While most of Schubert’s customers will benefit from the improved proximity to the new headquarters in the eastern US, technicians will also be present in Texas and Toronto to ensure the best possible service for the whole North American market.
Office space for approximately 30 people, a large warehouse for spare parts, a machine room and a training facility will be operational from the beginning of October. The training facility will be relocated from Dallas and expanded by a second training machine.
With an annual revenue of approximately US$50m, North America represents the largest market segment for the Schubert Group. The Group plans to double this sales revenue to $100m within the next five years.
Fritz Kipfer, currently Managing Director of Schubert Canada, will head Schubert North America. He will be supported by Johannes Schubert, Gerald Schubert’s son and grandchild of the company’s founder Gerhard Schubert. In addition, members from all of Schubert’s subsidiaries will be on site, including Schubert-Pharma and Schubert’s engineering unit IPS.
Schubert has been active with sales and service in the US since 1998. In 2006, the Toronto office was opened to serve the Canadian market. In the early days, North American customers had to travel to Schubert’s headquarters in Crailsheim, Germany for training. Due to travel restrictions following 9/11, a Schubert training centre was established in the US. In 2012, the first training machine was moved to Schubert Packaging Systems in Dallas.
Currently, around 75% of revenue is generated in the food and confectionery industries. Other key industries for Schubert North America are pharmaceuticals and pet food.