Wood, High Tech, Craftsmanship: Packaging for International Success
Interview with Moritz Krings, Future Managing Director of Peter Krings GmbH & Co. KG
For over 160 years, Peter Krings GmbH & Co. KG from Stolberg has been known for its expertise in industrial wood packaging. From a former sawmill, it has evolved into a modern industrial service provider that today accompanies machinery and plant manufacturers around the world. The future Managing Director Moritz Krings talks about the development from a family business to a digital full-service provider, about new pricing and service models – and why team spirit and value consciousness are the strongest carriers of a successful future.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Krings, your company has a long history. How has Peter Krings GmbH & Co. KG developed?
Moritz Krings: Our enterprise has existed since 1860 and was originally a sawmill – wood has always been our theme. In the 1950s, the focus shifted to packaging for the glass industry, and from the 1970s, we joined the HPE association. In 1990 we moved to Stolberg, and in 2004, we added a second location in Eschweiler. Despite the currently difficult conditions in the export sector, we see the current development at Krings positively.
Wirtschaftsforum: How would you describe your range of services?
Moritz Krings: We are an industrial service provider for machinery and plant manufacturers. Our focus is on heavy-duty packaging for export goods – whether by sea or air freight. In addition, we offer
We offer load securing, interim storage, and logistics support. With our own cranes, forklifts, and experienced teams, we can respond at short notice - our customers especially appreciate this.
Wirtschaftsforum: Which industries do your customers belong to, and how international is your business?
Moritz Krings: We mainly supply to the machinery and special machine construction sectors. The parts often weigh many tons - we recently packaged a 93-ton component. Together with planning offices, we also accompany the relocation of entire industrial plants, for example to Wales, Africa, or the Philippines.
Wirtschaftsforum: You are taking over the leadership in the 5th generation. What does this mean for you?
Moritz Krings: I grew up in the business, started working as a teenager and have known many colleagues since my childhood. This close connection shapes my aspiration to develop the company with respect for its history.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your main focuses as the future managing director?
Moritz Krings: Krings is a full-service provider and will continue to expand this area. In addition to packaging, services related to logistics, transport, and export documentation will also be included in the future - in cooperation with strong partners. Our customers will be able to selectively use the services they need from us, like building blocks. The goal is for our customers to be able to fully concentrate on their core business.
Wirtschaftsforum: Digitalization is a major issue. How are you approaching it?
Moritz Krings: We are currently digitizing our processes and planning a client portal through which clients can access data or photo documentation at any time. As many contacts work from home today, digital exchanges are becoming increasingly important – the new client portal will provide the foundation for this. In the future, we want to use AI to calculate prices and projects even more precisely. As Peter Krings, we have the advantage of being able to act quickly and flexibly.
Wirtschaftsforum: How are you addressing the skilled labor shortage?
Moritz Krings: We are investing specifically in further education and integration. We offer paid German language courses for foreign colleagues – including bonuses for completed language levels. We are also considering international recruitment to attract new talent.
Wirtschaftsforum: What makes your company successful?
Moritz Krings: Clearly our team. We do everything possible from our side to ensure that transport deadlines are met. Should something unexpectedly not fit because the dimensions of the packaged goods have changed, we quickly provide a solution. At Peter Krings, it’s not a failure point. This flexibility and reliability make us strong. Additionally, our storage areas, which customers can use in case of project delays, contribute to our strength. With generous hall and open areas, the company can temporarily store machines and equipment if necessary. Peter Krings focuses on sustainability – from responsible resource management to the longevity of the materials used.
Wirtschaftsforum: Where do you want to take the company?
Moritz Krings: We are investing in digitalization, new services, and the expansion of our site in Stolberg. Additional halls and new areas are planned. In the long term, Krings is even considering a digital platform where customers and other market participants can cooperate. My goal is to combine our family tradition with a modern, digital structure – solid, innovative, and humane. My guiding principles are solidarity with the team, enjoyment of entrepreneurial responsibility, and the desire to lead the family legacy into a modern future.