Körber: from basement workshop to a global technology leader

The birth of a global technology leader

Körber’s story is rooted in bold entrepreneurship and innovation. On 14 July 1946, Kurt A. Körber makes his first sales call from a telephone booth at a Hamburg railway station. This defining moment marks the establishment of Hauni Maschinenfabrik, now Körber Business Area Technologies. 

Starting with a small workshop in the Hamburg district of Bergedorf, Kurt A. Körber begins his business by repairing cigarette-making machines. His pioneering vision grows, and by 1956, the MAX filter assembler revolutionizes the market and becomes an international bestseller.

 A leap across the ocean

From the beginning, Kurt A. Körber recognizes 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 is established, in Richmond, Virginia. This lays 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.

Changing society for the better

Kurt A. Körber is not just an entrepreneur; he is a visionary, committed to societal progress. In 1959 he founds Kurt A. Körber Stiftung, then expands his mission with Hauni-Stiftung in 1969. 

By uniting both as Körber-Stiftung in 1981, he ensures 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.

 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 strong connection between Körber Group and its Business Areas with Körber-Stiftung and its social activities. 

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.

Shaped for growth

Kurt A. Körber demonstrates entrepreneurial foresight by diversifying the business into industries such as paper processing and grinding machines. Bold ideas that result in continuous, sustainable growth for the business. On 17 June 1987, Körber AG is 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.

The end of an era

On 10 August 1992, Kurt A. Körber passes 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 sums it up well: “Kurt A. Körber's lifetime achievements will live on, and his self-imposed ethical obligation to society will continue to be binding for us in the future.”

New markets, promising opportunities

In 1994, we welcome Perini Group to Körber, joining forces with talented teams in Italy and Brazil. Together, we build the Business Area Tissue, focusing on innovative technology and leading solutions for tissue production. 

Through close collaboration and smart investments, this area thrives. In 2023, the tissue business was sold, setting it up for new possibilities and growth under a new strategic owner.

Expanding pharma innovation

By acquiring Swiss companies Rondo and Dividella in 2002, Körber broadens its role in pharmaceutical packaging. This milestone lays 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.

Streamlining supply chain complexities

In 2008, Langhammer, a leading supplier of transport and palletizing systems, joins Körber’s Business Area Supply Chain. This addition expands 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.

Driving digital transformation, together

In 2017, the Business Area Digital is launched to lead Körber’s digital transformation and collaborate closely with customers. Focused on innovation, the teams establish 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 are 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 underscores Körber’s commitment to shaping the future through technology.

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 unifies its operations under a single brand. 

This change brings 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.

Celebrating 75 years of innovation

Marking 75 years of innovation in 2021, Körber honors 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. 

Advancing supply chain innovation

Körber expands its supply chain expertise by acquiring Siemens Logistics’ mail and parcel business and enVista’s freight audit and payment solutions. These strategic moves strengthen 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.

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.

Strengthening leadership for growth and innovation

Körber introduces 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.

Shaping our future

In line with our vision of “Market leadership through technology leadership”, Körber defines the framework for the next decade. This framework is based on global Mega and Technology trends and will drive our business successfully into the future.

With LIFE 2035 as our framework for the next decade, we defined the central drivers for continuing our success story as one strong team: Leadership, Innovation, Financial strength and independence, and Empowerment.