Pester Company History

Profile

Inspired by technology

We have been giving new impetus to end-of-line pharmaceutical and consumer goods packaging for more than 50 years. pester pac automation stands for innovation and the development of intelligent cutting-edge machine concepts from film wrapping and case packing through to palletizing.

Today, pester pac automation ranks among the leading companies in this sector. Over 8,000 Pester machines and lines are proving their intelligence daily at multinational companies in the pharmaceutical and consumer industry around the globe.

Customers all over the world appreciate the high quality of our machine program. Pester machines convince on account of their superior quality, outstanding performance and economical life-cycle costs. Individual service, customized engineering and tailor-made turn-key solutions demonstrate the leading-edge of our technology.

What makes Pester stand out? The unique quality of the relationships we maintain with our customers, partners and suppliers. Worldwide, some 950 employees, eight subsidiaries and 35 representatives in 80 countries are all part of a dynamic network whose only objective is to provide our customers with the optimum packaging process.

Family-owned company
in the 4th generation

Top 100 Employers in Germany
(17th place), 1st place in the Allgäu
(Great Place to Work® Award 2021)
and Top Company 2023 (kununu)

8,000
packaging units
worldwide

80 % top pharma
and consumer goods
companies rely
on the Pester technology

Around 950 employees
worldwide

Company founded by
Emil Pester in 1888

FACTS

Global

Worldwide, some 950 employees, eight separate sales and service companies and 35 representatives in 80 countries are all part of a dynamic network. This is how we guarantee close relationships to our customers and individual on-the-spot service all over the world.

pester pac automation
Welcome to our corporate head office in Wolfertschwenden in the heart of the Allgaeu, Bavaria. The modern administration and production facility received an award for its architecture and sustainability in 2001. Our customer service, parts manufacturing and center for trainees are also located in close vicinity at four different sites. Our Business Unit pester consumer relocated to new premises in 2017.

pester ag Switzerland
Based at Tägerwilen, pester ag Switzerland has been supporting the international focus and global marketing activities of pester pac automation GmbH since 2006. We are the direct contact persons for customers in Austria and Switzerland.

pester usa
With our own sales and service subsidiary we have been catering for the American market since 1998. Our new customer center is located in Charlotte, Huntersville, North Carolina since 2020. Currently, 14 specialists attend to the needs of our customers in North America, Canada and Puerto Rico and vouch for the quality standards of Pester worldwide. Our own spare parts depot warrants fastest availability and reliable service. Over 1000 Pester units and lines in operation all over the USA prove our customized technology.

pester france
We have been catering for the French market with our own sales and service subsidiary since 1998. At present, 5 specialists attend to our customers' needs in France and vouch for the quality standards of Pester worldwide. Our own spare parts depot warrants fastest availability and reliable service. Over 500 Pester units and lines in operation all over France prove our customized technology.

pester uk
We have been catering for the British and Irish markets with our own sales and service subsidiary near London since 2004. At present, 6 specialists attend to our customers' needs on site and vouch for the quality standards of Pester worldwide. Our own spare parts depot warrants fastest availability and reliable service. Over 600 Pester units and lines in operation all over Ireland and the UK prove our customized technology.

pester benelux
We have been catering for the markets in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg with our own sales and service subsidiary since 1997. Some 200 Pester units and lines locally in operation prove our customized technology.

pester china
Pester China has been catering for the Chinese market since 2004. Our own sales and service company is located in Shanghai. At present, 15 specialists attend to our customers' needs on site and vouch for the quality standards of Pester worldwide. A separate spare parts center provides fast availability and a reliable service. Our customers include renowned companies in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.

pester in asia
With our own branch office in Bangkok, Thailand, we have been catering for the markets in South East Asia since 2004 and vouch for the quality standards of Pester worldwide.

Headquarters

Subsidaries

Representatives

Values

Inspired by technology

Innovation is our strength. Therefore, through intelligent technology, highest performance and increased operation comfort our machines help you to pack your products globally in a more efficient and easier way. You benefit from the state-of-the-art technology in end-of-line packaging.

Easy to buy from

You are in good hands with Pester. We understand your expectations and speak your language. Our experts guide you through the whole project. You benefit from short reaction times, fast decisions and direct implementation.

Passion for design and quality

Each machine stands for top quality, a unique design and excellent service.

Powered by partnership and networking

Your success is our number one priority. We develop long-term partnerships for you and our partners. Hand in hand, we generate tailor-made solutions for you.

Global flexibility

You are not alone. Wherever you are in the world, we are close at hand. We achieve this through global presence and a network of experts from different cultures and countries. We can meet our customers' needs in all markets.

Bright eyes

Experience our uniqueness. Be inspired by an open and creative corporate culture. Our highly motivated employees make all the difference.

Meeting your desire

Your wish is our inspiration. Each Pester machine is unique. Powered by your desire, we create the individual top performance you want!

Vision creates value

For more than 130 years a family-owned company, pester pac automation stands for tradition throughout time. Decades of experience in German engineering warrant your investment security. Permanently striving to achieve value enhancement for our customers and ourselves is our intention. This has been giving us the freedom to continue our tradition and live the Pester spirit for 130 years.

Responsibility

We simply
always give our very best

Two principles are the basis of our actions:
1. Our customers' long-term success and happiness.
2. Our employees' lasting enthusiasm.

"Inspired by technology" - our innovative strength creates long-lasting values for our customers and environment. Achieving solid corporate growth through sustainable development is our commitment. Our comprehension of trendsetting sustainability is to promote economical, ecological and social responsibility.

With this in mind, we develop innovative and future-oriented packaging solutions by using our resources responsibly and placing emphasis on sustainable processes. Exceptional relationships with our customers, employees and business partners characterize us as a long-term trusted partner.

Pester Code of Conduct

Economic Responsibility

High investment security and continued sound corporate growth
Reliable long-term partnerships
Efficient packaging solutions with economical life-cycle costs

Ecological Responsibility

Permanent embedding of environmental principles in our quality management
Development of sustainable packaging machinery with a long life time
Responsible use of packaging materials and resources
Constant research and development for ecological packaging materials
335,000 kg CO2 savings per year through the use of renewable sources of energy at our company headquarters

Social Responsibility

As a family-owned company in the 4th generation, social responsibility enjoys high priority at Pester.
Sustainable health management for our employees
Promotion of regional and international social programs, charity projects and organizations
Commitment in local and regional sport and cultural sponsorships

Initiative Blue Competence

We are Alliance Member of the Sustainability Initiative Blue Competence. Blue Competence (www.bluecompetence.net) is an initiative of the VDMA (www.vdma.org) for promoting and communication of sustainable solutions for the Mechanical Engineering Industry. By using the trademark "Blue Competence", we commit ourselves to these twelve Sustainability Guidelines of the Mechanical Engineering Industry.
www.bluecompetence.net/about

Integrated Management System

Quality is our
passion

Our customers' happiness is our goal. Quality is the main focus in all of our activities, and the basis for our long-term corporate success. As the leader of technology in end-of-line packaging, it is our responsibility to inspire our customers with packaging machines and lines that incorporate the latest technology and the highest quality.

Reliable products, outstanding services and efficient processes are all part of our company's quality standard. Our goal is their constant improvement to ensure our customers' continual success.

Sustainable management, environmental protection and preservation of natural resources paired with our commitment to social, health and ethical responsibilities are our top priorities. Long-term relationships with our customers, partners, suppliers and employees are the foundation of our success. The active participation of all our employees in our integrated management system ensures Pester's sustainable growth.

Integrated Management System

Our goal is to constantly evolve sustainability in our company. We have implemented an integrated management system for quality, environment, energy and occupational health and safety to optimize and continuously develop our organization and processes in this regard.

Quality Management (ISO 9001)

Environmental Management (ISO 14001)

Energy Management (ISO 50001)

Occupational Health and Safety Management (ISO 45001)

AEO-F Certification

Secure supply chain: Pester is AEO-F certified

The objective of the AEO certification is to ensure supply chain security from the manufacturer of a product, to the end consumer.
An Authorized Economic Operator is reliable and trustworthy.
An operator with the AEO status is authorized to simplifications with regard to customs regulations and/or benefits at safety-relevant customs controls.
The Authorized Economic Operator status is granted in three categories:

AEO-C - Customs simplifications
The applicant proves its proficiency and diligence regarding compliance with the customs provisions.

AEO-S - Security
The company proves its compliance with customs safety factors to logistical and administrative procedures.

AEO-F - Customs simplifications/security
The company fulfils all requirements that have been stated in the AEO-C and AEO-S options.

pester pac automation GmbH is AEO-F certified.

History

1888
Emil Pester Platinenfabrik is founded by Emil Pester in Chemnitz, Saxony.
1908
Emil Pester builds his die-cut sinker factory in the industrially influenced town of Chemnitz
1919
At the age of 30, Karl Hermann Pester joins his father's company as fellow partner.
1937
Registration of the company Pester in the commercial register.
1940
Founder Emil Pester dies after a long illness. After his death, Karl Hermann Pester takes over the company in the second generation.
1945
During the air raids, the factory in Chemnitz is severely damaged. Karl Pester, the founder's grandson decides to build up a new site in the western part of Germany.
1949
A search is initiated to find a location in West Germany. Käthe Pester, Karl's sister discovers an empty factory building during a trip to Allgäu.
1951
Death of Karl Hermann Pester. In 1951, his son Karl Pester starts production in the factory building at Wolfertschwenden.
1955
Occupation of new factory in Wolfertschwenden. Production of die-cut sinkers is launched.
1972
Birth of the first stretchbanding machine. Entry in the packaging industry with the newly developed stretchwrapping machine.
1974
Pester exhibits the first packaging machine at Swiss Pack, Basle.
1978
The development of the first overwrapping machine broadens the production program.
1983
Thomas Pester joins the company and takes over the management of the company in the fourth generation.
1987
Case packing units complete the machine portfolio.
1988
Pester celebrates its centenary.
1990
Pester expands its machine program by the tray packer.
1992
The long-standing company owner, Karl Pester, dies on April 2.
1994
Development of most compact end-of-line packaging cell which integrates stretchwrapping, case packing and palletizing.
1995
Development and patent application of first cantilever-style case packing unit.
1996
Pester presents its PEWO-pack, PEWO-fold and PEWO- form machines at Interpack in a new design: from film wrapping and case packing through to palletizing.
1997
Foundation of subsidiary Pester Benelux.
1998
Foundation of Pester France in Honfleur and Pester USA in New Jersey.
2001
Official inauguration of new production and administrative center in Wolfertschwenden on May 19, 2001, winning an award for its architecture and sustainability.
2002
Introduction of new corporate design. The modern company logo "pester pac automation" stands symbolically for the company's evolution to an international full-service provider.
2003
Patent application for newly developed splicer with fully automatic film reel change on all film packaging machinery.
2004
Foundation of sales and service subsidiary Pester UK near London. Development of new service programs. Customized range of services.
2005
Interpack: presentation of a new machine generation in modular design. Presentation of new modular top loading concept. Introduction of "pac robot" pick and place robot generation. Foundation of Pester Asia with its headquarters in Bangkok and Pester China with its headquarters in Hangzhou.
2006
Foundation of subsidiary Pester Switzerland with its headquarters in Tägerwillen, Switzerland.
2007
First track & trace solution for the biotech industry. Dual-lane stretchwrapper processes 100 bundles per minute. Pester celebrates its first "Family Day" with all its employees.
2008
Interpack: intelligent robot cell for palletizing/depalletizing. Consistent track & trace system for pharmaceutical lines. Compact case packer for small loads. Full overwrapping machine for single cartons with 120 cycles. Pester France under new management - relocation from Honfleur to Caen.
2009
Development of a full overwrapping machine for high-end cosmetics packaging: PEWO-fold C120 and PEWO- fold C60.
2010
New customer and service center: Pester USA moves to new premises in Allendale, New Jersey. Pester celebrates second "Family Day" with all its employees.
2011
Development of high-speed line for tube packaging. Expansion and modernization of own component production at first company location in Wolfertschwenden.
2012
Relocation of Pester China from Hangzhou to Shanghai. Acquisition and expansion of new production and administration building at company headquarters (Unit 3).
2013
6 June 2013: official inauguration of Pester China's new production, sales and service subsidiary in Shanghai. The family-owned company celebrates its 125th anniversary.
2014
Interpack: high-speed stretchwrapper with 80 cycles. Sustainable stretch bundler for heat sensitive products. Side-loading case packer and palletizer with smallest footprint. Pester receives Great Place to Work Award ® as best employer in Allgäu.
2015
Pester receives Great Place to Work® award as one of Germany's top 100 employers. Expansion of production hall at company's headquarters in Wolfertschwenden.
2017
Interpack: Digital & Human - new HMI with interactive 3D visualization. Pester presents new machine generation in modern column design. Launching of new Business Unit Organization. Business Unit pester consumer relocates to new premises.
2018
Achema: Pester presents the side loading case packer in a new design.
Pester is awarded with the silver medal in the EcoVadis CSR Rating.
Pester celebrates its 130th anniversary.
2020
Pester launches new pharma machine generation in a modern design.
2021
Start of construction for the new customer center with production and administration building (Plant IV) and a parking garage at the company headquarters in Wolfertschwenden.
Pester joins the UN Global Compact.
2022
Pester is awarded with the gold medal in the EcoVadis CSR Rating.
In May 2022, the new parking garage is officially opened.
2023
Interpack: WE CARE – inspired by a better world – New sustainable stretching technology. Pester presents new machine generation for robotic vial handling and safe end-of-line tracking with Pester Track & Trace by PEXCITE.
2023
Pester receives IMS certifications, quality-, environmental- and energy-, occupational health and safety management (DIN EN ISO 9001 | 14001 | 45001 | 50001).