Gerhardshofen Germany – Stahl and Weilburger Graphics by Stahl hosted the highly anticipated Worldwide Partners Meeting at the Gerhardshofen site.

The event was designed to discuss the company's future direction and to explore upcoming trends in the packaging industry. It was also a milestone: the first face-to-face meeting of global partners since 2017, welcoming 70 participants from 24 countries, including three distributors participating for the first time.

This year, the partners came from China, United Arab. Emirates, Romania, Czech Republic, Iran, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Argentina, Greece, Hungary, Finland, Latvia, Slovenia, Turkey, Poland, Azerbaijan, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Lithuania, Estonia as well as Slovakia.

Reconnecting with Partners
For the first time since the acquisition of Weilburger Graphics by Stahl partners gathered to shape the future direction of the company. This meeting offered a chance to reflect on the evolution of the printing and packaging sectors and discuss the company’s strategic direction moving forward. Key themes of the event included a strong commitment to sustainability, regulatory compliance, recyclability, and UV LED solutions.

"We are excited to meet face-to-face after such a long time," said Günter Korbacher, Managing Director of Weilburger Graphics by Stahl. "This event not only reinforces our valued partnerships but also sets a clear path for driving forward Weilburger Graphics by Stahl as part of Stahl Packaging Coatings. Together, we will continue to innovate and lead the way in sustainable packaging solutions."

Integration and expansion
Raymond Bakker, Vice President, Head of Packaging Coatings Division EMEA of Stahl Holdings B.V., presented a strategic overview of the acquisition and the vision for expanding the joint distributor network. “The integration of Weilburger Graphics into Stahl Packaging Coatings creates unparalleled opportunities for growth,” said Bakker. “This partnership will bring us closer to a sustainable future while strengthening our market presence globally.”

Throughout the day, various presentations showcased advancements in the field, including:

A joint lecture by Sonia Morselli and Martin Drasnin (BASF) on the critical role of strong partnerships in sustainable packaging.

Markus Klopf's insights into LED technology, highlighting energy efficiency, safety, and regulatory updates.

Innovative approaches to reducing plastic usage in packaging by Bastian Pinsenschaum.

And a lecture by Bernd Schech ‘On safe paths’.

Closing the day on an inspiring note, Thomas Lurz, Germany’s most successful open-water swimmer and Olympic gold medalist, delivered a motivational talk on resilience, a champion’s mentality, and handling pressure in challenging situations.

Shared ambition and goals
The event concluded with a networking dinner, offering participants the opportunity to forge deeper connections and discuss shared goals. "The enthusiasm and collaboration at this event are a testament to the strength of our partnerships," noted Arno Dürr, Sales Director of Weilburger Graphics by Stahl. "With the momentum we’ve built here, we’re ready to shape the future of the packaging industry."

The Worldwide Partners Meeting 2024 underscored the collective strength and shared vision of Stahl Packaging Coatings and Weilburger Graphics by Stahl. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the event set the stage for continued leadership in the packaging industry.

Further information: www.stahl.com