"We see ourselves as pioneers and innovators!"
Interview with Harald Pohl, Managing Director of Immergut GmbH & Co. KG
As a service provider for the filling of beverages and other products, Immergut GmbH & Co. KG has made a name for itself in the industry. The company, which is part of the Bauer Group and located in Schlüchtern, Hesse, sets standards and offers its customers a comprehensive service from the idea to market readiness, cutting-edge technology, efficient processes, and high competence in the development of innovative recipes together with about 4,000 raw materials.
"When a customer has an idea for a product, we can start with small batches and then grow together with our customer," emphasizes Harald Pohl, Managing Director of Immergut GmbH & Co. KG. "We have 4,000 raw materials available for this purpose. Development is completed within three months, and in less than six months we bring a product to market readiness. We are also significantly more flexible and better in our process technology than anyone else in our market. We see ourselves as pioneers and innovators within our industry."
Many Product Categories
An impressive variety characterizes the portfolio of Immergut. "We produce in very many categories," stresses the Managing Director. "Our range includes, for example, milk-based products, products made from milk and hybrids, i.e., mixtures of plant-based materials and milk. Other categories are protein and sports products as well as healthcare products, including for parenteral nutrition.
We are also very strong in drinking yoghurts, fruit juice drinks, iced tea, and coconut water. Another sector includes products for dogs and cats, for example, a protein pudding for cats. The different items are packaged as Tetra Packs or stand-up pouches, with standard sizes ranging from 200 to 1,000 ml.
History since 1883
The origins of Immergut date back to 1883 when the Stavenhagen dairy was founded. After various mergers and restructurings over time, Immergut has been part of the Bauer Group from Wasserburg am Inn since 2007 and has been part of the Bauer Holding since 2014. Immergut currently employs 207 workers, about a tenth of whom are apprentices, and generates a revenue of 100 million EUR. Approximately 200 million units are produced each year.
Among the customers are large European dairies as well as startups. Approximately 5% of Immergut's revenue comes from its own brands Naschkatze, Immergut, and Drinkfit, another 5% from private labels of the retail grocery trade. The lion's share of 90% is allocated to customer brands, which Immergut fills as a co-packing partner. As diverse as the product range are the sales markets, explains Harald Pohl: '20% of our revenue is made in Germany and 40% in Europe with focuses in Scandinavia, the Benelux countries, and Great Britain. Another 40% comes from the international market outside of Europe. Here, China and the Middle East are our most important markets.'
Efficient Networks
The small, yet potent sales team consists of a sales manager, a key account manager, a junior key account manager, and the managing director. 'However, the most important thing for us is our network,' explains the managing director. 'I maintain very good contacts worldwide, both with customers and with raw material suppliers. Furthermore, we are also recommended by our customers.' Due to the well-functioning networks, Immergut uses its presence on social networks such as Linked-In, Instagram, and Facebook mainly to address new employees, but also to showcase its own expertise within the industry. Customers are also interested in the possibility of making specific product inquiries on the website. In addition, the company presents itself at major international fairs, including Gulfood in Dubai, PLMA in Amsterdam, Thaifex Anuga Asia in Thailand, and Sial in Paris.
Good Working Atmosphere
Where it makes sense, Immergut also utilizes the possibilities of digital support. This applies to organizational processes within the company as well as to training and active information dissemination to employees. A proprietary app allows access to all production data in real time, and laser-guided vehicles autonomously handle transports within the manufacturing process. All processes of the goods from the conveyor belt to loading into the truck are completely digitized. "We are committed to sustainability," outlines Harald Pohl, addressing another important issue. "For the past seven years, we have been audited and see ourselves as pioneers in everything concerning sustainability. Additionally, we have a major sustainability initiative within the Bauer Group and are really very consistent about it."
A good working atmosphere is also very much at the heart of the CEO. "Every employee is an entrepreneur, everyone takes responsibility, and each person is very important as an individual," states his credo. In the coming years, Harald Pohl plans to push for the use of artificial intelligence to make production processes even more efficient. Another issue is the expansion of hybrid products made from milk and plant-based materials, to relieve the environment and animals.