Good offspring don’t grow on trees

Good offspring don’t grow on trees

Training at Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH
Nicole Linnemannstöns, Wiebke Wermeier, Verena Timpe

Nowadays, you have to put a lot of effort into making training exciting and attractive. That’s why we strive to update our structures and content from year to year, to adapt them and to keep up with the times. We already put a lot of thought into the selection process. It is not only a matter of grades and a suitable degree, but also of a strong desire to learn something. We want to accompany the trainees through the 3 years of training and are happy if they get a permanent place in our team. No matter what this place looks like. At Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH, everyone gets the opportunity to prove their individual strengths. Those who wish can decide to continue their training with a dual course of study or to become a media specialist, and will of course be supported by the company.

During the training, we stick to the prescribed framework plan, supplementing it with many practical exercises and a roadmap for the company. In the first weeks of training, it is important to get to know the company as well as possible. For this purpose, there is a schedule which provides for visiting all departments for approx. 1-3 days in order to get to know new colleagues as well as processes. We repeat this process several times to consolidate the procedures within different development phases. Since the end products of our company are printing forms for flexo printing and we do not have our own printing shop, it is definitely part of a good training to have a look at exactly these processes. Since we work hand in hand with our customers at all times, print shop visits for training purposes are always possible and a welcome change for everyone involved.
Right from the start, the trainees are allowed to work on customer orders, thus getting to know flexographic printing better and being close to everyday life.

For a long time, our training team consisted of Wiebke Wermeier and Nicole Linnemannstöns. The demands placed on training and also on trainers are becoming ever higher and trainees ever more inquisitive. Definitely a positive trend, which is to be further expanded by increasing the number of staff in the training team. Verena Timpe, a trained media designer, has been part of the team since the start of training on 01.08.2022. After Nicole Linnemannstöns is already active for years honorary in the examination board Osnabrück, it could inspire now also your colleague Verena Timpe for this office. The trio is looking forward to tackling all future tasks together. “We want to make training at Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH as exciting and interesting as possible, while at the same time constantly optimizing quality,” say the three. “When we see how our company is growing thanks to our self-trained specialists, it makes us proud.”

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P23 – “A new generation” takes the helm

P23 – “A new generation” takes the helm

Generation change at Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH

A new generation has taken the helm at Flex-Punkt. The prepress company is now headed by David Weber, who has been managing Flex-Punkt’s business since 2019. He is supported by four young, highly motivated managers. From left to right: Dennis Schenfisch (Product Management/R&D), Sabine Santoro-Selhöfer (Administration/Accounting), David Weber (Management), Marieke Heidemann (Work Preparation/Production), and Nicole Linnemanstöns (Prepress).

Retailers and brand owners are increasingly demanding packaging solutions to achieve their ambitious sustainability goals. Suppliers are required not only to consistently implement these goals, but also to identify with them. This poses major challenges for prepress and printing companies. After all, it is they who ultimately bear responsibility for the practical implementation of sustainable packaging solutions. “This requires a whole new way of thinking and a different orientation from all those involved in packaging production in order to be prepared for the issues of the future,” says Flex-Punkt Managing Director David Weber.

Flex-Punkt has been working continuously for many years to optimize its products and service offerings in terms of sustainability, resource efficiency, delivery capability and quality. In doing so, the prepress company based in Melle in the district of Osnabrück focuses specifically on innovations and invests above average in new technologies and digital infrastructure as well as in the expansion and modernization of its company building. “Above all, however, it is our employees who contribute with great dedication and passion to making us a little better as a company every day,” emphasizes David Weber. “Without our good employees, we would not be where we are today.”

Well positioned for the future

“In order to place the responsibility for our family business completely in the hands of the next generation by 2023, we launched Project 2023 – P23 for short – in 2018,” adds Günther Weber, Managing Partner of Flex-Punkt. With the initiated generation change, a change in mentality has also taken place at Flex-Punkt in recent years. Today’s young managers and specialists are very demanding and want to know what prospects Flex-Punkt offers them for the future and what business strategy is being pursued. It’s not just about money, but rather about a coherent overall package,” explains Günther Weber.

From left: David Weber (Flex-Punkt Managing Director) and Udo Theus (Senior Sales Manager at Hell Gravure Systems) stand in front of a PremiumSetter S1700. The elastomer flexosleeve is ready for direct engraving. (Source: Ansgar Wessendorf)

Here, the work-life balance plays a weighty role. “The management supports this approach by involving the employees in the decision-making processes,” Günther Weber continues. Clearly formulated target agreements ensure the greatest possible transparency on both sides. “We organize internal training courses or register interested parties for external advanced and further training measures.” For example, Flex-Punkt finances the master craftsman course or studies to become a state-certified print and media technician for young employees aspiring to management tasks.

“Since the introduction of P 23, we have successfully implemented a wide range of measures. The company is now managed by my son David, who has been running Flex-Punkt since 2019. He is supported by four young, highly motivated managers who are operationally responsible for the business units ‘Product Management/R&D’, ‘Prepress’, ‘Work Preparation/Production’ and ‘Administration/Accounting’,” explains Günther Weber. “Additional employees have been trained to become experts with a high level of expertise in specific areas of flexographic printing and digital workflow. In addition, two junior employees are currently completing a three-year training program to become media designers.”

“In this context, I am very pleased that young employees are taking advantage of their opportunities with a high level of commitment and ambition. The average age of our workforce is now 35, so we are well positioned for the future. The steady and sustainable growth of Flex-Punkt is also reflected in the number of employees, which has increased from just under 35 to over 50 in the past four years, with a very low fluctuation rate overall,” says Günther Weber. In the meantime, he himself has largely withdrawn from the operational business and is now mainly responsible for the further development of the company’s strategic orientation.

Growth and company expansion

In addition to sustainable personnel development, a high willingness to invest in the latest technology and modern production facilities is part of Flex-Punkt’s company policy. Therefore, a completely new company building with a production hall of 1280 m2 and office space of 800 m2 was already built in 2014.

Standing in the new company building, the five PremiumSetters from Hell Gravure Systems for direct engraving of elastomer flexo sleeves and flexo printing plates (Source: Udo Theus) (Photo: Udo Theus)

However, against a background of strong growth as well as increasing order numbers and the associated new installations, Flex-Punkt was increasingly reaching the limits of the available area capacity. Therefore, the company decided to build an additional 850 m2 production hall in August 2020. This now provides sufficient space for the instal¬lation of new machines to improve performance and expand the portfolio. Investments were also made in a state-of-the-art tool rack system, the installation of which was completed at the end of the third quarter.

An unusual portfolio

Flex-Punkt has a wide range of services from design, repro and proofing to the production of printing plates and seamless continuous sleeves. “Our production technology equipment makes us a full-range supplier in the field of flexographic printing plates,” comments David Weber. The plates and sleeves are used to print flexible packaging substrates for a variety of applications. These include the hygiene, pet food, bakery, tobacco and beverage sectors, as well as tissues (e.g. napkins) and decorative products such as gift wrap. In order to be able to react flexibly and at short notice, Flex-Punkt keeps around 3000 flexo sleeves in standard sizes permanently in stock for its regular customers – especially in the tobacco products sector.

A special service is the support of printing companies. To ensure that even difficult jobs are executed reliably, all details of color management are coordinated with them, characteristic curves are defined, and test forms are made available. “Thanks to our strong focus on customer service and the expansion of our internationalization, we were able to add further major print shops. This contributed significantly to our continued strong growth,” says David Weber.

80% of customers are printers and smaller brand owners, mainly from Germany, Austria, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Customers also include colleague companies for whom Flex-Punkt manufactures continuous seamless flexo sleeves. However, not only the very heterogeneous customer structure, but also the composition of the product portfolio is unusual compared to most prepress companies. Flexosleeves account for around 80% of production at Flex-Punkt, and flexographic printing plates, including coating plates, account for 20%. Flex-Punkt primarily processes plate materials in thicknesses from 1.14 to 2.84 mm.

The elastomer flexosleeves are offered in bale widths up to 1800 mm and in circumferences between 230 and 1380 mm. DuPont’s two in-the-round lines enable the production of photopolymer LAMS flexosleeves in printing widths up to 1700 mm and in printing lengths from 260 to 920 mm.

The new PremiumSetter F1700 with 32 laser diodes for imaging photopolymer flexographic printing plates was installed at Flex-Punkt in the summer of 2019 and, after thorough testing, accepted in the spring of 2020 (Source: Udo Theus) (Photo: Udo Theus)

In total, Flex-Punkt produces well over 10,000 flexo sleeves a year. Elastomer sleeves account for a good 70% of these and the polymer variant for 30%. “In this context, it is interesting to note that demand for photopolymer sleeves is declining in favor of elastomer sleeves,” says David Weber.

Trustworthy, fruitful and efficient

Hell Gravure Systems has played a part in the continuing successful development of Flex-Punkt that should not be underestimated. The two companies have enjoyed 20 years of very fruitful and trusting cooperation. As early as 2001, Flex-Punkt carried out the beta test for the first laser engraving system from Hell. Currently, five direct lasers and two LAMS lasers from Hell are used to produce all elastomer and photopolymer sleeves and sheets. The only exception is Miraclon’s Flexcel flexographic printing plates.

Joint development of a LAMS laser

The long-standing partnership led to the idea of combining the technologies of the Heliograph companies Lüscher and Hell to develop a new universal LAMS laser imager. While Lüscher contributed its diode laser to this project, Hell provided the proven mechanics of the PremiumSetter. The result was the new PremiumSetter F1700 with 32 laser diodes, which was installed at Flex-Punkt in summer 2019 and accepted in spring 2020 after thorough testing.

For imaging digital LAMS flexographic plates, the F1700 is equipped with simplified plate handling. For this purpose, the loading table has been integrated into the unit and the vacuum cylinder has been equipped with a clamping bar function. The maximum plate format is 1330 mm x 1650 mm. For lasering photopolymer sleeves, the F1700 is equipped with an integrated bearing and swiveling device (cantilever) to simplify handling.

The maximum sleeve format is 1350 mm in circumference and 1700 mm in width. The F1700 images at up to 5080 dpi as standard, achieving full HD flexo quality levels. Regardless of screen and exposure resolution, productivity is 8 m²/h and maximum plate thickness is 6.35 mm. The X!Mask software developed by Lüscher automatically structures areas and lines using microcells, allowing higher density values in the solid areas.

Elastomer sleeves – the “green sleeve

In view of increasing demand for directly engraved elastomer flexo sleeves, Flex-Punkt decided at the end of 2020 to invest in a third S1700 Premiumsetter from Hell Gravure Systems, which was installed at the beginning of 2021. This means that the prepress service provider now has five PremiumSetters – one S1300, one S1600 and three S1700. With the exception of the S1600, all setters are equipped with dual-beam technology, which enables the otherwise usual engraving times to be halved.

Since 2012, Flex-Punkt has offered laser-direct engraved continuous-seamless elastomer flexo sleeves. In addition to high mechanical resistance, the printing of “difficult” ink systems, such as 2K inks or water-based inks, is a particular strength of such plates or sleeves. They are also frequently used for applying high and homogeneous layer thicknesses, as required for white inks and coatings. Elastomer materials also offer advantageous properties for jobs where the printing plates have to be highly resistant to solvent- and water-based inks and other chemicals. On its laser direct engraving systems, Flex-Punkt processes elastomer sleeves and plates from ContiTech, Ligum and Böttcher.

Profile depths of up to 1000 μm can be achieved with elastomer engraving. This is not possible with photopolymer laser imaging because this technology cannot control optimization parameters such as undercut, first step and flank angle, which is a necessary prerequisite for successful printing with very high screen resolutions. The low dot gain of the elastomer printing plates ensures excellent image, gradient, line and text quality. The laydown behavior of the ink in the areas is very good and fine gradients as well as positive and negative fonts are clearly reproduced. “The high reproducibility of direct engraving not only plays an important role in repeat jobs, but also makes it possible to achieve predictable print quality in general,” says David Weber.

Flex-Punkt also refers to direct-engraved elastomer sleeves as the “green sleeve”. This is because the environmental benefits are obvious: In the process, which is shortened to two steps, no chemicals are required for profile cleaning. The elimination of UV exposure not only avoids ozone formation, but also contributes to a noticeable reduction in energy costs. In addition, the waste heat generated by cooling the lasers during direct engraving is used for hall heating in winter.

First-time user of “PureFlexo Printing

Since 2013, Flex-Punkt has also been using the Flexcel system from Miraclon (formerly Kodak) to produce photopolymer plates for high-quality flexographic printing. “We have also maintained a close relationship with this company for a long time and exchange information intensively on promising innovations and technologies for increasing performance in flexographic printing. In Germany, for example, we are one of the two first users of ‘PureFlexo Printing’, the latest development from Miraclon,” explains David Weber.

A look inside the plate assembly and shipping area. In the background are DuPont’s two in-the-round lines for the production of photopolymer LAMS flexosleeves (source: Ansgar Wessendorf).

PureFlexo Printing is specifically designed for wide web printing applications with solvent inks on films. It is a special printing plate surface structuring that controls or prevents undesired spreading of slightly fluid printing inks. If the ink flows in places where it should not, this can lead to the formation of ink bridges and ink buildup. This problem is often exacerbated by inappropriate countermeasures, such as the use of harder adhesive tapes, higher ink volumes, and excessive ink supply. Says David Weber: “After initial experience, we can confirm that PureFlexo Printing can raise the level of quality and stability in flexographic printing even further – but all parameters must be optimally coordinated.”

Acting ecologically and saving costs

A photovoltaic system for self-sufficient power generation has been installed on the roof of the company building. Its total area is around 2500 m2 and it has a maximum capacity of 245 KW. With this, Flex-Punkt covers 65% of its total electricity needs. The company receives a feed-in tariff for feeding the surplus electricity into the public grid.

With the photovoltaic system Flex-Punkt covers 65% of its total electricity demand (Source: Flex-Punkt)

In addition, a new ventilation system was installed. In a constant aeration and deaeration circuit, the air is filtered and thus ensures a pleasant and healthy indoor climate. In addition, this type of air management makes an important contribution to combating the corona virus in this day and age. Also, due to the permanent air exchange, shock ventilation is no longer necessary, which significantly reduces heating costs. As further cost-cutting measures through energy savings, Flex-Punkt has switched to LED lighting in all rooms and invested in building insulation.

Sustainable and ecological

As a full-service partner to the packaging industry, Flex-Punkt considers itself well equipped to meet future challenges. The prepress company has succeeded across the board in achieving a sustainable and ecological orientation. “However, we understand these positive developments as a continuous and dynamic improvement process. In this respect, the ‘Re¬search & Development’ department is of central importance in ensuring that economic and ecological aspects are taken into account in equal measure in the quality assurance and further development of flexographic printing plates,” says David Weber. To support the company in solving its many tasks, the management recently handed over a new 3D digital microscope to Dennis Schenfisch, head of the “Research & Development” department.

A contribution by Ansgar Wessendorf:
Als Full-Service-Partner der Verpackungsindustrie sieht sich Flex-Punkt für künftige Herausforderungen bestens gerüstet

 

 

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A business leader at eye level

A business leader at eye level

Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH in portrait

1. Was it your plan from the start to follow in Günther’s footsteps?
As a young person, you’re not known for being too decisive. Back then, Günther took me to a print shop when he had to deliver printing forms there. The large machines and the technology involved were impressive. Since I’m very tech-savvy, this industry interested me from that point on. That’s why I decided to start an apprenticeship as a gravure printer.
After passing the exam, I worked as a machine operator in my training company for almost 2 years.
At some point, Günther approached me and asked if I would like to start in production. Of course, we also talked about the future of Flex-Punkt, in terms of my future position. At that time, however, this was all still far away and dreams of the future…

2. What did your start at Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH look like?
Hired as a production employee in 2011, I first learned everything from the ground up about how things work. I worked early and late shifts and on Saturdays to get to know Flex-Punkt – the structures, the machines, the employees and the various techniques. That’s when I really got into it. In September 2015, I then took over as head of production.

3. What is it like to work together with your father?
Actually, this question comes up more often. Many people say that you either get along and manage to work together with family members or you don’t. There are plenty of examples in companies where you don’t get along. There are enough examples in companies where it doesn’t work generationally. That is not the case with us. Of course, we sometimes have different opinions, but everything remains calm and objective – most of the time. (David laughs) Meanwhile, there are areas where my voice counts more than Günther’s, or let’s say where he gives me a free hand.

4. How are these areas divided up?
Günther is mainly responsible for sales/customer care and takes care of larger projects in and around Flex-Punkt, such as the construction of the new hall, the photovoltaic system and the now newly installed ventilation system. For that, the day-to-day business is my construction site. But this has grown more and more, we did not define these areas from the beginning.

5. How do you deal with it when you have different opinions?
It depends. In the areas that concern me, I try to support my opinion with arguments, but I also let myself be swayed by counter-arguments if they are plausible. In general, we exchange ideas and talk about them. If it concerns certain departments, e.g. layout or repro, then you also get the opinion of the department management. In the end, it’s all about Flex-Punkt as a whole, and you mustn’t forget that.

6. Are there already plans for succession at Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH?
I have been the managing director of Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH since 01.01.2019. In addition, we have established a P23 team made up of the various divisional managers as an area of responsibility for the future. To a certain extent, this team can make decisions itself.
As Managing Director and member of the P23 team, I can veto certain decisions at any time.

7. What does P23 stand for and when was it founded
P23 stands for Project 2023, which is when Günther turns 60. By then, he wants to have everything on track so that he no longer HAS to be in the company, but CAN at any time.
The team was founded at the beginning of 2019.

8. How did it come about to bring P23 into being?
It grew out of Günther seeing what it’s like in other companies. There, you sometimes meet managers or owners in their mid-70s who are still responsible for managing day-to-day operations. He wanted to make sure early on that Flex-Punkt could run without him in the worst case.

9. Which characteristics must a managing director bring along?
Willing to learn and curious, a certain authority must be displayed.
In addition, economic thinking for the own company. Not to mention the willingness to be there for the company at all times. Both literally, i.e. on Saturdays and evenings when the shoe pinches in production, and figuratively.

10. Which characteristic would you like to have?
I would wish to be able to sort my thoughts better. You actually have so many things in your head, if you don’t sort them out and don’t even find the peace to write them down in between, you unfortunately forget a lot.
Authority was just the keyword, sometimes I am still a bit insecure in this respect, but that comes with time.

11. How do you envision the future of Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH?
I imagine the future in such a way that in the best case there is always good work to be done, we don’t get any waves of layoffs, families and children of employees are always “in bread and butter” as they say.
In the best case, we are always looking for growth. Whereby we are currently pretty much exhausted in terms of space, as far as the building and property are concerned. If we continue to grow as we have so far, we’ll have to see how and where we can still create opportunities.

12. What gets on your nerves at work?
Poor communication within the workforce. Also, rash decisions that are sometimes made. Especially when they could have been different upon closer inspection or waiting for more information.
Sometimes things are asked/questioned too quickly – if you were a little more proactive you would come up with the solution.

13. How do you respond to criticism?
Depends on whether it is justified or unjustified. I accept justified criticism and see how I can improve it. Unjustified criticism I honestly block very quickly and don’t see it.

14. What is a negative factor in your daily work routine/keeps you from achieving your goals?
When you make a plan for the next day in the evening and then the day itself turns out completely different than you had imagined. In other words, unpredictable things that make everyday life more difficult because you can’t plan for them – for example, when a laser is down because there’s a defect.

15. Can a boss show weaknesses?
Bosses are only human. Of course you can admit your weaknesses. In my opinion, admitting weaknesses is more of a strength. But you can also work on your weaknesses.

16. How would you describe the relationship with your employees?
You notice that you no longer have a close relationship with every employee when you employ 50 people. It was a different feeling with 25 employees. After a certain size in the company, a certain closeness to the employees is missing. I think that’s a bit of a shame, too. A summer party or Christmas party, for example, is always a good way to build up and deepen such relationships with employees. There you can talk to everyone in peace and outside the company. But unfortunately, this has not been possible for the last 1.5 years.
In my opinion, it is important to know how people are doing. Flex-Punkt will not become a company where you are just a number, like in large corporations, where you no longer have a personal connection to the management.

17. How do you motivate your employees/what do you understand by employee motivation?
We try to bring the employees along in terms of numbers, investments, news and projects. Simply to show that the company is not only about everyday life, but also to keep the company interesting. This should enable the employees to go to work in the morning with fun and to say “It is really cool to work at Flex-Punkt”. That is a goal, which one writes on the flag.
In addition, as an employer, you try to listen to the wishes of the employees and make working at Flex-Punkt more attractive through things like e-bike leasing, fresh fruit, fitness area, expansion of the cafeteria area, company pension plan, etc.

18. What did you want to be when you were a child?
At a very early age, I thought farming was really cool (David laughs). Professional soccer player was also high on the list.

19. How do you unwind after a stressful day at work?
In my garden or on my bike. Or in the beer garden with friends.

21. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Of course, still in Wellingholzhausen, in my house, preferably with a wife and maybe a child.

21. Do you like to go away on vacation?
Yes, definitely not skiing, no snow. Mountains yes, but no sports in the snow. I like to go to the sun. I like to fly, but Germany also has beautiful places.

22. Soccer or shooting match?
Do you have to choose?

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With heart and mind – Günther Weber has the answers

With heart and mind – Günther Weber has the answers

Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH in portrait

Günther Weber, 57, is managing director of the company Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH. Founded in Halle/Westphalia in 1994, his company has grown to a business with 50 employees. For 27 years, Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH has now been known as a specialist in the packaging industry.

Deeply rooted in Wellingholzhausen, Günther Weber has also brought his company to his hometown in the course of its development.

1. Did you see your professional career ahead of you from the very beginning?
No. When I started my apprenticeship as a repro photographer in 1979, I naturally had no idea that in 2021 I would be an entrepreneur with 50 employees by now.
At the age of 16, I had not yet thought about or planned to ever start my own business.

2. Would you do anything differently today?
On the whole, no. The time management, I would have to rethink that, maybe that should have been arranged a little differently. This mixture of private and professional life is not so easy as a self-employed person. You’re on the ball in your head 24 hours a day. I would try to take more distance in my free time.

3. How did you come to found Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH?
After working in a print shop for 15 years, I changed sides and went to a supplier. I worked there for a year as a sales representative and during this time I realized that many things could be done better and more easily. I then forged a plan and looked for and found allies. The actual idea came about over a beer. Together with the then production manager and his deputy, the three of us then set up our own business. That’s how Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH got started on July 1, 1994.

4. Was there a business plan?
Of course we had a plan before the start and had an idea that did not exist on the market at that time. The idea was to offer plate mounting as a service, which we still do very successfully today.
We then said to ourselves that if, after half a year, we didn’t make enough money to pay ourselves a reasonable salary, then we would shut the whole thing down again.

5. Is it easier to be the sole managing director?
In terms of decision-making, of course, it’s easier because you don’t have to coordinate with others. So far it has always worked out well, but I do get input from friends and acquaintances and also from a circle of entrepreneurs from time to time on how they would see problems and make decisions. In the end, you make the decision yourself, but a second opinion is never wrong.

6. Who were the first customers? Are they still customers today?
The first customers of the hour were large printers in the food, tobacco, hygiene and medical products industries. All the initial companions are still among our regular customers today.

7. what did the first jobs consist of?
We were a very small company, which initially only produced photopolymer plates. So the technical equipment was only designed to produce this kind of plates. There was no digital plate route at that time, that was via film. We worked with a partner from whom we bought in the repro.
As a trained repro photographer, I went there and talked through the repro, they then implemented it and produced the films.
The first jobs were mainly bottle labels for the beverage industry and also hygiene products.
In some cases, we were also known as “Schnellschussheini” (quick-fire guys), we got the finished films from customers and didn’t have to do any repro at all, just the plates. They would call us in the afternoon and ask if we could make 30-40 more plates. Then we went out and got the films, made the plates overnight and brought them back to the customer in the morning.

8. Since when has Flex-Punkt had a repro department?
In 1996 we bought our first ArtPro license for Mac. We were very proud of that. So in the beginning the department consisted of only one person. Then the repro department was slowly built up, because the investment was also very high at that time. It’s crazy to think that repro is now the largest department with 19 people.

9. What were the first machines?
The first machines were an imagesetter and a washer from DuPont and a dryer – pure equipment for plate production. Then in 1995 came the first Microflex for gluing these plates, because we had the idea of offering something that others don’t do – mounting the plate as a service. It wasn’t until 1998 that we had the first digital laser.

10. What are your leadership principles?
Fairness is very important to me. So is giving my employees a say, listening to opinions and accepting them. On the other hand, my leadership style is also determined.

11. What plays negatively into your leadership style/keeps you from achieving your goals?
Sometimes I am not consistent enough here and there. This can make some decision-making processes take longer, but it has never prevented me from implementing anything. Sometimes it’s also a good thing, because then you sleep on it again and decide it’s the right thing to do.

12. Have your leadership principles changed over time?
Yes, especially in the last 4-5 years they have changed in the sense that I also delegate. I no longer make decisions on my own, and more colleagues share responsibility.

13. What advice would you give to young professionals?
I would advise young professionals in particular to go full throttle when it comes to learning. You shouldn’t rest on your laurels after an apprenticeship, but continue to do what is required today. In other words, do a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, technician’s degree, etc. and try to gain a lot of theoretical experience, but also practical experience. I always think it’s good when people have “gotten their hands dirty”. In my opinion, pure theoreticians have a hard time in everyday life.

14. Is a boss allowed to show weaknesses?
Absolutely. A boss is only human. You have to be able to admit mistakes sometimes. And as I always like to emphasize, “not everything I say has to be right.” For me, admitting one’s mistakes is not a sign of weakness; on the contrary, it’s a sign of strength. No human being makes extra mistakes. By the way, that is also a great strength of Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH, admitting mistakes.

15. What is a big difference in working life/world in the past compared to today?
Definitely the time factor. What has changed most is the throughput and speed that technology makes possible. In trying to keep up with this, I think people are also reaching their limits on a massive scale. The flood of information we have today is enormous.
In the repro department, we used to have a week to process three jobs. Today, you get anxious if you don’t have three jobs ready in three hours.
You have to become faster, do more in less time, everything has to be better and the quality has to be top. But the price has to come down. The gap between the two is very wide. The working time models have also changed considerably as a result. We’re on the road here with 37.5 hours, which is already an exception and not very much for today’s times.

16. Would you have thought at the beginning of your self-employment that you would be where you are today?
I never dreamed that I would be where I am now. It was still too far away for that. At the very beginning, we thought that in the future we would have a company with about 10 employees.

17. Where do you see your company in the future?
I see us as a well-positioned service provider in a changing packaging market, among the leaders in terms of technology and quality. The responsibility for Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH will then be in younger hands, with a young management team running the company. It was always clear to me to take care of succession planning at an early stage. That’s why I started planning this about 3 years ago.

18. What gets on your nerves (at work)?
When you discuss things that have not been done even after the second or third time. Ignorance gets on my nerves.
Also, it gets on my nerves when there is disorder and dirt.

19. How can you switch off after a stressful day at work?
Cycling or driving a vintage car through the countryside.
Afterwards, I like to sit on the terrace with family and friends with a glass of wine.

20. are you sometimes late?
Yep. So in the last few years, I sometimes take it out here and there.
It used to be a no-go for me. If I had an appointment, I was always there a quarter of an hour before. At work, though, I’m usually on time. If a time is arranged, I’m there.

21. How do you react to criticism?
Calm would be the wrong word. I definitely take it on board and try to implement it.

22. Have you always been able to rely on your gut feeling when making decisions?
90 percent of the time, yes. I also built up the company here according to my gut feeling.

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Sunshine for the climate

Sunshine for the climate

What are the benefits of sustainable production for companies?

The world is changing. And has been since the beginning of time. But never before in the history of our planet has there been such rapid and comprehensive development as in the last century. This concerns both the technical possibilities and the changes in nature and the environment. We humans have advanced more and more with our technical achievements, industry and economy have grown and proudly companies could announce higher and higher turnovers.
But in the process, our ecological footprint has also become larger and larger. The climate is changing as fast as never before. Sure, there have been ice ages and warmer periods, but never before has the transition between two periods been so short. The weather has often taken centuries to change. In our time, the earth seems to be burning up. Deserts continue to spread and even on our doorstep we notice the effects of climate change more and more. Summers are getting hotter and hotter and on average it rains less and less. Already, some areas of Germany are experiencing water shortages in the summer.

Into the future with a small ecological footprint

A rethink is therefore necessary, especially for us as a company, and we need to do it now! Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH is committed to sustainability. As a manufacturer of printing formes, we are at the very beginning of the production chain in the manufacture of printed products and packaging, at the end of which ultimately stand the people as buyers and private individuals. We therefore also want to lead the way and set an example in terms of protecting the environment and nature. With our slogan “Think before you print”, we want to encourage other companies to also rethink and produce ecologically. Important components of our ecological production are both our photovoltaic and our ventilation system.

Our electricity comes from the roof

Solar energy is basically inexhaustible. While fossil fuels such as oil and coal will eventually run out, astrophysicists estimate that the sun will continue to shine for at least five billion years. Electricity from solar will therefore never run out. What’s more, solar power is clean power. Solar power produces no CO2, no soot and no particulate matter. Another advantage is that we consume the electricity where it is generated: on our roof.
During the construction of the new production hall, it quickly became clear that we wanted to produce our own electricity as far as possible. 15 tons of photovoltaic modules were installed on the roof of the entire building. These modules generate a whole 245 KWp on approx. 2500 square meters. KWp in this context means kilowatt peak, i.e. the output that the system can produce under ideal conditions. This means we can generate 65 percent of the electricity we need ourselves. We feed surplus electricity into the public grid and receive a feed-in tariff for it.
As a result of this and the savings from the energy from solar, the system has paid for itself after about six and a half years. We have more money available to invest in additional equipment. This keeps us at the cutting edge of technology and allows us to expand our ecological thinking even further.
Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH is and will remain a company facing the future, also and especially with regard to environmental, climate and nature protection. We produce high-quality products without a bad ecological conscience.

Fresh air for employees

A new ventilation concept was also developed in the course of the new building. The air quality in both halls is to be raised to the best possible level using the latest technology.
The main reason for installing a modern ventilation system was the well-being of the employees. Through constant ventilation, the air is filtered and the employees can work in a healthy indoor climate. The fresh air is additionally an important factor that can contribute to the fight against the corona virus.
In addition to the well-being of the employees, the ventilation system contributes to energy saving and thus to environmental and climate protection. It eliminates the need for shock ventilation, which primarily saves heating costs and thus energy. In contrast to shock ventilation, there is a permanent exchange of air.
The advantages of the ventilation system are not only for the benefit of the employees, but also for you. The money we don’t have to spend on energy costs will be used for further innovations in the flexographic printing and packaging industry. This means we are ideally equipped to meet your requirements and are well equipped for the future.

Save – donate – do good

With solar energy and by reducing heating costs, we can save a lot. Added to this are other cost-cutting measures such as converting to LED lighting in all our buildings and insulation technology that is up to date. This helps us keep energy consumption and expenses low. We also want to use the savings we make to support social projects in the surrounding area.
Donations in general are known to everyone, but the implementation often succumbs to the thought of whether the laboriously saved 13 euros will really reach the rainforest. So why not donate to local organizations? If you take a look around, there are many ways to get involved in your local community and support causes that are close to your heart.

Taking small steps toward a big goal

Not only we as a company, but also we and you as private individuals can contribute to environmental, climate and nature protection in our everyday lives. If everyone reduces their ecological footprint just a little, that’s an important step in the right direction.
You can start by shopping. Pay attention to what you buy and how it’s packaged. The less plastic, the better. Maybe there is already an unpackaged store in your city where you can fill goods into containers that you have brought with you.
Nobody can darn socks as well as grandma could. But we can take her as an example. Today it’s normal to throw everything away as soon as it’s broken. But does that really have to be the case? In some cases it may even be cheaper to buy something new instead of repairing it or having it repaired. But does that make it better? Even so-called disposable items can often find another use.
An important issue is to save water and electricity wherever possible. This not only helps your wallet. Until now, we have always been spoiled. If we needed water, we could turn on the tap. Little by little, we are noticing the consequences of climate change in Germany as well. The amount of precipitation is decreasing and in the summer months it has already happened that water has become scarce in some areas.
“Drive less” is already a classic tip. Covering shorter distances by bicycle or combining them with a walk is also good for our health.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are also good for our health. You should go for regional and seasonal produce. Regional produce didn’t have to travel halfway around the world and seasonal produce doesn’t need a greenhouse to get ripe. Of course, it is best and freshest if you can buy directly from the producer, in a farm store or at the market. There you can also get detailed information about the origin of the products.
As you can see, environmental, climate and nature protection are closely linked to your own well-being.

We as a company will do our part!

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A pandemic changes the world

A pandemic changes the world

A pandemic changes the world - for you everything stays the same

Who would have thought this time last year that Corona would be with us for such a long time? For over a year now, we have been living with the virus, which was still unknown at the time. Our lives have changed dramatically and taken on dimensions that were unthinkable for all of us. The everyday life of our society has been significantly restricted until today.

Contact restrictions, closures of kindergartens and schools, shopping with prescribed numbers of people, cancellations of mass events, domestic quarantine – these are just a few measures taken to get the virus under control and keep the number of infected people as low as possible.

With all these regulations, we suddenly had to rethink: home office, video conferencing, virtual trade shows and classrooms. Digitalization has come a long way since the pandemic. Teams organize themselves via collaboration platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Slack. New forms of work have thus found their way, made their way into corporate structures and broken old patterns.

Defying Corona – better service for you

The unprecedented situation has allowed us to grow and has also presented us with new challenges. The top priority in all our decisions has always been to continue to provide you with excellent service and consistent quality.

Thus, in the first lockdown, we decided to change our usual work routines and work in shifts. Teams were divided into two groups in order to break possible chains of infection as well as to ensure the health of our workforce. 

Because we, Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH, are only as good as each individual employee. Due to the multi-shift work, the attendance time has doubled, thus we were also available for you longer and could further expand our service.

The ability to deliver comes first

We further upgraded our already high hygiene standards. Additional hand disinfection stations were set up throughout the Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH company. True to the motto “Together against Corona!” we also launched an internal Corona campaign.

Business trips were reduced to a minimum and customer appointments took place and still take place digitally for the most part. Here we have invested in innovations and equipped our conference room with the latest technology. At an even better level, it is now possible for us to still be there for you “in person” through online meetings and to provide advice and support.

With these measures we have done our part to prevent the spread of the virus. Because we are doing everything in our power to keep our promised delivery dates and thus guarantee you the safety in your internal production processes.

Learning in the pandemic: a different approach for consistently good quality

In the course of the second lockdown, we worked out an improved model and changed the newly gained workflows again. Here, we optimized everything in the course of achieving the best possible accessibility. Moving away from shift work, we decided to split up existing teams. To this day, the repro and layout offices are mixed among themselves to prevent the loss of an entire department in the event of illness or ordered quarantine. In this way, we continue to ensure the ability to deliver high-quality printing plates. In addition, your regular contact persons will again be available to you during our core working hours to the usual extent.
For you as our customers, nothing will change – we will always be there for you as your contact person on site and at the usual level.

We at Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH take the Corona pandemic very seriously and consider ourselves very well positioned and equipped with our measures and rules within the company.

On the road to success despite the pandemic for and thanks to you

When we look back on the last year, we do not only see the negative side of the pandemic. Despite the new circumstances and the resulting restrictions, we, Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH, can also take positive things from the last few months for ourselves. Despite all the circumstances, we were able to close the past year successfully and with great satisfaction! 

As you could already read in our last article, we started the construction of a new production hall and invested in further innovative technology! Offering you the best service and the highest possible quality of our printing formes drives us every day anew and has top priority. 
We stand by your side as a reliable partner, because it is only through and with you that we have grown and can continue to work successfully with you. Thank you!

Stay healthy and take care of yourselves!

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Investment despite times of crisis

Investment despite times of crisis

Expansion of the production area with the construction of a new hall.

We have high expectations of ourselves: We want to be your number 1 contact when it comes to printing plates! 

For us, this means a constant drive for further development, daring to try new things, constant training of our expert staff, and also investing in the latest technology and state-of-the-art production facilities. And for this we need some space!

In 2014, we already took the big step and created a whole new company building with a 1280 m² _production hall. 
At that time, there was no thought of a lack of space. We continued to invest in numerous new production machines and have diversified our product portfolio, including our internal warehouse, so that we can guarantee constant delivery capability. 
However, all these decisions brought us to the point that there was no longer enough capacity to cope with the constantly growing order situation. 

Thus, we decided last year: We are expanding! 

In August 2020 the starting signal for our new hall was given. And now it’s almost time: At the end of March 2021, we will start with almost twice as much space in our new premises. Now we have an additional 850 m² of space to continue working on our visions. With this production hall, we are setting another milestone towards our promise to you to be a reliable partner in the field of flexographic printing. Now and in the future! 

With the relocation of some production equipment to the new hall, there will also be more room to move in our existing production facility. We will also be implementing some restructuring at the site. For example, we will extend and increase our already existing tool store. Shorter distances will enable us to react even faster. 

Everything is under the sign of constant production capability and the goal to fulfill every customer request.

Even during the time of moving we will continue to produce and be there for you! There have been no breakdowns in the past and there won’t be any in the future, because every device has a back-up and we always have an alternative solution. 

Our product portfolio in terms of flexo printing is already very broad and of the highest standard – but true to the motto: We grow, we invest, we are always there for you – we still have many new ideas! You will soon find out what exactly we are planning, how the move will proceed, and why we will soon be able to call ourselves an elastomer competence centre! So, stay tuned!

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We are Flex-Punkt

We are Flex-Punkt

An established family business as a full-service partner to the packaging industry.

We are Flex-Punkt – The “F” stands for flexibility!

We have been there for you for 25 years now.
As an established family business – based in Melle/Wellingholzhausen – we see ourselves as a full-service partner to the packaging industry and use the latest prepress and laser technology to efficiently and quality-consciously implement the requirements of brand manufacturers and printers.

Thanks to our experienced team, short decision-making channels and fast production processes, we are able to respond flexibly to your wishes. We are at your side as a partner from the initial consultation to the final completion. 

In the future, we would like to share more of our work processes with you and give you an insight into our company.

Who is standing behind the name Flex-Punkt Druckformen GmbH? What do our daily processes and routines look like? How do we manage to respond to your requests as quickly and flexibly as possible? What do we do in order not to stand still, but to constantly develop further in all areas of the company and flexographic printing? 

You will find the answers to these questions on this blog!

Here we will keep you up to date at regular intervals about us and our developments, because Rudolf von Bennigsen-Foerder has taught us that “standing still is taking a step backwards.” Future-oriented, we therefore want to continue to be at your side as your number 1 contact and with the latest technologies. So there is enough to do and interesting things to report!

Be curious and look forward to the following blog entries.
You will hear from us again soon!

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Tel: +49 54 29 / 928 58-10
Fax: +49 54 29 / 928 58-66
Mail: [email protected]

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