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Körber: from basement workshop to global technology leader
Our journey began in 1946, with bold entrepreneurial thinking and a vision for technology leadership. From a small workshop in Hamburg, we grew by solving customer challenges with smart solutions. Today, at Körber, we empower our customers to achieve more through innovation and expertise. Discover how our history has shaped industries, pioneered technologies, and continues to inspire innovation for the future.
1946: The birth of a global technology leader
Körber’s story is rooted in bold entrepreneurship and innovation. On 14 July 1946, Kurt A. Körber made his first sales call from a telephone booth at a Hamburg railway station. This defining moment marked the establishment of Hauni Maschinenfabrik, now Körber Business Area Technologies.
Starting with a small workshop in the Hamburg district of Bergedorf, Kurt A.Körber began his business by repairing cigarette-making machines. His pioneering vision grew, and by 1956, the MAX filter assembler revolutionized the market and became an international bestseller.
1955: A leap across the ocean
From the beginning, Kurt A. Körber recognized the value of understanding markets and consumer trends and, critically, being close to the customer. This forward-thinking approach led to a significant milestone.
In 1955, our first international site was established, in Richmond, Virginia. This laid the foundation for Körber’s global growth and remains a key production site for our Business Area Technologies. Building strong, local connections while maintaining a global perspective, continues to shape how we deliver success for our customers worldwide.
1959: Changing society for the better
Kurt A. Körber was not just an entrepreneur; he was a visionary, committed to societal progress. In 1959 he founded Kurt A. Körber Stiftung, then expanded his mission with Hauni-Stiftung in 1969.
By uniting both as Körber-Stiftung in 1981, he ensured a more focused and effective use of resources. His approach of combining business success with the ambition to give something back to society, remains central today.
1979: A symbol of unity
Two interconnected rings, with the Körber name at the center, have come to symbolize the uniqueness and strength of Körber as an organization. Representing the two independent playing fields of Körber AG—its Business Areas as key industry players, and Körber-Stiftung as a contributor to society—the logo embodies Körber’s spirit.
Created by an employee, this iconic design was officially registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 1979. Today, the rings continue to represent Körber worldwide, showcasing its enduring commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship.
1987: Shaped for growth
Kurt A. Körber demonstrated entrepreneurial foresight by diversifying the business into industries such as paper processing and grinding machines. Bold ideas that resulted in continuous, sustainable growth for the business. On 17 June 1987, Körber AG was established to unite all companies under strategic leadership.
Since 1995, Körber AG has consistently guided the company’s overarching goals and strengthened its commitment to innovative and sustained growth.
1992: The end of an era
On 10 August 1992, Kurt A. Körber passed away in Hamburg at the age of 82. From that moment, as he had planned back in 1969, Körber-Stiftung became the sole shareholder of Körber AG.
The Körber Executive Board of that time summed it up well: “Kurt A. Körber’s achievements are part of who we are, and his commitment to society continues to guide everything we do.”
1994: New markets, promising opportunities
In 1994, we welcomed Perini Group to Körber, joining forces with talented teams in Italy and Brazil. Together, we built the Business Area Tissue, focusing on innovative technology and leading solutions for tissue production.
Through close collaboration and smart investments, this area thrived. In 2023, the tissue business was sold, setting it up for new possibilities and growth under a new strategic owner.
2002: Expanding pharma innovation
By acquiring Swiss companies Rondo and Dividella in 2002, Körber broadened its role in pharmaceutical packaging. This milestone laid the foundations for our Business Area Pharma as it stands today.
With a portfolio that currently includes consulting, inspection, packaging, handling, advanced software and track-and-trace systems, Körber delivers seamless solutions across the entire pharma value chain.
2008: Streamlining supply chain complexities
In 2008, Langhammer, a leading supplier of transport and palletizing systems, joined Körber’s Business Area Supply Chain. This addition expanded our ability to address multifaceted customer needs.
Today, we offer integrated solutions across robotics, software, voice technologies, supply chain, automation, and mail and parcel. By simplifying the growing complexities of global supply chains, Körber enables businesses to operate more efficiently and stay competitive in rapidly evolving markets.
2017: Driving digital transformation, together
In 2017, the Business Area Digital was launched to lead Körber’s digital transformation and collaborate closely with customers. Focused on innovation, the teams established corporate-led technology start-ups, and introduced AI-powered solutions to enhance manufacturing efficiency across the industries we serve—and beyond.
In 2025, these initiatives were integrated into a dedicated Körber Function, uniting innovation, artificial intelligence and data strategies into a powerhouse that innovates across all our Business Areas. A shift that underscored Körber’s commitment to shaping the future through technology.
2020: One brand, one vision
By 2020, Körber had grown from a modest basement workshop in Hamburg, to a global technology leader with over 100 locations. To strengthen its global visibility and identity, Körber unified its operations under a single brand.
This change brought clarity for our customers, partners and employees, creating a strong identity that reflects our entrepreneurial DNA and our commitment to innovation, trustful collaboration and to creating customer success worldwide.
2021: Celebrating 75 years of innovation
Marking 75 years of innovation in 2021, Körber honored its heritage while looking firmly toward the future. From our beginnings to our rise as a global leader, we've consistently focused on pushing the boundaries of technology to create customer success.
With our commitment to shaping industries and empowering progress, we look to the future with confidence.
2022: Advancing supply chain innovation
Körber expanded its supply chain expertise by acquiring Siemens Logistics’ mail and parcel business and enVista’s freight audit and payment solutions. These strategic moves strengthened the Business Area Supply Chain’s capacity to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end solutions.
Today, Körber is at the forefront of simplifying global supply chain complexities, empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
2023: Ambitious goals for a sustainable future
In 2023, Körber set a clear goal to reach net-zero CO₂e emissions by 2040, across the entire value chain. This commitment builds on our earlier achievements, including our target for CO₂e-neutral production by 2025.
Along with our sustainability promise: 'Our activities enable a better life for current and future generations,' these actions show our dedication to lasting, positive change.
2024: Strengthening leadership for growth and innovation
Körber introduced a new leadership structure to drive innovation and growth. The Körber Executive Board assumed operational responsibilities for the Business Areas, with Dr. Helena Garriga and Arungalai Anbarasu joining as pivotal members. This leadership evolution reinforces Körber’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions, and empowering businesses to succeed in a fast-changing world.
Driven by purpose. Defined by people.
Discover the culture, values and strategy driving us to pioneer the future through technology and innovation.
