H.G. Weber and Co. Revenue and Competitors

H.G. Weber & Co., Inc. was founded in 1925 by Herman Gustave Weber, an experienced design engineer who immigrated to the United States from Hanover, Germany in 1899. Mr. Weber was knowledgeable of the needs of the packaging and printing industry, and his goal was to build a better bag making machine. He wanted it to be simply designed, easy to operate and maintain, and built to last. He knew the result would be more productive and profitable equipment. Mr. Weber’s first aim was to establish a staff of engineers who could assist him in implementing ideas for successful paper converting machinery. The company pioneered the development of variable size S.O.S. (block bottom) paper bag machinery of the type that produces multi-ply specialty, grocery and multiwall container bags. His experience and reputation in the paper converting field helped the company\'s early sales to grow. With the country\'s economic recovery from the Depression of the 1930s, Mr. Weber saw opportunity for further growth and expansion. In 1936 the company moved its headquarters and production operation from Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, to Kiel, a small community about 20 miles northwest. The company took advantage of its larger facility to manufacture its own machine parts, something that was previously done by local machine shops. Growth continued through the post-war industrial boom and expanded internationally to over two dozen countries by the 1960s. The company’s new-product developments and ability to adapt to the changing needs of its customers have contributed to its continued success. While maintaining the basic designs and principles of its founder, new product technology has extended into such areas as heat seal S.O.S. machines and packaging equipment for the fast food industry. The company\'s acquisition of its largest domestic competitor, the Potdevin Machine Co. of New Jersey, as well as Olm Co., a small file folder machine manufacturing company from Minnesota, has added to this product diversification. The Weber product line includes fixed and variable size S.O.S. bag machines, in-line flexographic printers, laminators, die cutters and patchers, file folder machines, wire tie applicators, vertical conveyors and roll up-enders. The company boasts an impressive worldwide customer list and sees continuing growth in both domestic and international markets. Weber Co. has been the recipient of a number of awards. In 1969 it received the President\'s World Trade \"E\" Award for international exporting excellence. Following this award have been numerous Governor\'s New Product Awards and Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year honors, as well as being named Local Industry of the Year. The company’s long range goals have not changed from those Herman Weber established over 80 years ago: build more productive and cost effective equipment while maintaining a reputation for product excellence and customer satisfaction.