"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. This company, which belongs to the Bauer Group and is based in Schlüchtern, Hesse, sets standards and offers its customers comprehensive service from the idea to market readiness, state-of-the-art technology, efficient processes, and high competence in the development of innovative recipes in conjunction 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 many categories," the managing director emphasizes. "Our range includes, for example, milk-based products, products made from milk and hybrids, which are mixtures of plant-based materials and milk. Other categories include protein and sports products as well as healthcare products, including for parenteral nutrition.
We are also very strong in drinking yogurt, fruit juice drinks, iced tea, and coconut water. Another line of products is for dogs and cats, for example, a protein pudding for cats. The various 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 the year 1883, when the dairy in Stavenhagen 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. Currently, Immergut employs 207 workers, of which about one-tenth are apprentices. They generate a turnover of 100 million EUR. Approximately 200 million units are produced per year.
Among the clients are large European dairies as well as startups. About 5% of Immergut's revenues come from its own brands Naschkatze, Immergut, and Drinkfit, another 5% from private labels of the food retail industry. The lion's share of 90% is attributed to client 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 revenues are generated in Germany and 40% in Europe with focal points 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 main sales areas.'
Efficient Networks
The small yet powerful sales team consists of a sales director, 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 raw material suppliers. Moreover, we are also recommended by our customers.' Due to the well-functioning networks, Immergut uses its presence in social networks such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook mainly to address new employees, but also to showcase its own expertise within the industry. It is also of interest to customers that they can make 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 Environment
Where it makes sense, Immergut also utilizes the possibilities of digital support. This applies to organizational processes within the company as well as training and the active information of employees. A proprietary app allows access to all production data in real time, and laser-guided vehicles autonomously handle transportation within production. All processes of the goods are also completely digitally captured: from the conveyor belt to loading onto the truck. "We are convinced sustainable," outlines Harald Pohl another important topic. "For seven years now, we have been audited and see ourselves as pioneers in everything relating to sustainability. Moreover, we have a significant sustainability initiative within the Bauer Group and are really very consistent about it."
A good working environment is also very close to the managing director's heart. "Each employee is an entrepreneur, each takes responsibility, and each is also very important as a person," states his creed. In the coming years, Harald Pohl wants to push the use of artificial intelligence to make production processes even more efficient. Another topic is the expansion of hybrid products made from dairy and vegetable raw materials, to reduce the burden on the environment and animals.