“Change” and “chance” appear on a Rubik’s Cube on the cover of the Annual Report: two words, with one letter’s difference. What does “change” signify for a company steeped in tradition like Koenig & Bauer?
Change is deeply embedded in Koenig & Bauer’s DNA, and remains a driving force behind the company today. Koenig & Bauer has continued to evolve for more than two centuries, adapting flexibly to customer needs and market requirements, global challenges and megatrends – as the transformation from newspaper printing to packaging printing impressively shows. The company continually optimises both its product and service portfolio and its internal processes, reinventing itself time and again and positioning itself to ensure its future success. Innovation and a pioneering spirit are the key drivers behind this. Change requires courage, a willingness to learn and the active participation of each and every individual.
And what represents a “chance” for Koenig & Bauer?
For Koenig & Bauer, “chance” means actively and single-mindedly exploiting opportunities that arise. That is to say, chances are not viewed as being associated with a high level of uncertainty or dependent on good fortune. A proactive approach and a strategic vision – both looking outwards and directed at internal strengths and potential – allow Koenig & Bauer to transform chances into specific outcomes. To do this, the company capitalises on innovative technologies, taps into growth markets – alone and together with partners as well – and uses its many years of experience along with the innovation and creativity found inside the company.
Are “change” and “chance” inextricably linked at Koenig & Bauer?
Absolutely! External changes create internal chances – and vice versa. This cycle is a driving force behind Koenig & Bauer and is firmly embedded in its corporate identity. The brand icon, using the ampersand “&”, symbolises exactly this cycle: the fusion of transformation and opportunity – inseparable, dynamic and pioneering. It can be interpreted as a stylistic combination of the letters “C” and “G” – a subtle play with shapes that reflects Koenig & Bauer’s long tradition in the printing and typographic industry. Transformation and opportunity have never been so closely intertwined as they are today. This is why “Change and chance” is not only the guiding principle of the Annual Report, but also the compass that Koenig & Bauer uses to navigate its way through the reciprocal cycle of transformation and opportunity.
What specific form will this take?
Its implementation is visible in three key areas: ChanGe | ChanCe – Koenig & Bauer is revving up: “Exceeding Print” and its go-to-market strategy. After three years of intense development work in sustainability, digitalisation and modularity, the decisive step – the market launch of new innovations – is now being taken. The presses and digital solutions showcased at drupa are now being systematically launched on the market, accompanied by intense sales activities. → More about the systematic implementation of the “Exceeding Print” corporate strategy and the progress made can be found from page 10 onwards. ChanGe | ChanCe – Koenig & Bauer is looking to profitability: “Spotlight” focus programme. The company is continuing to pursue its “Spotlight” focus programme in order to remain successful in a challenging market environment. Profitable initiatives with a strong financial basis are being prioritised, and targeted measures to increase revenue are being implemented. This will create a solid foundation for sustainable growth. → Read more about the programme’s specific measures and successes on page 13. ChanGe | ChanCe – Koenig & Bauer’s self-optimisation: repositioning and governance in the Group. A new segment and management structure, prospective downsizing of the board of management and a well-managed transition to a new generation will enable the company to be even more agile and customer-focused. Faster decision-making processes, reduced complexity and more efficient structures will make it more dynamic. → Learn more about the new direction and the steps that have been planned from page 14 onwards. This is the plan. It has a clear objective: Koenig & Bauer is reaping the rewards of its efforts to be profitable and to continue its evolution as a leading provider in the printing industry.
And what is the vision for Koenig & Bauer in 2050?
The future world of print will be digital, networked and sustainable. Artificial intelligence will steer the printing process, optimise colour selection and identify errors automatically. Robot arms will change materials lightning fast, and digital printing presses will account for an even greater share of the market. Printing systems will communicate with each other and adapt flexibly to individual customer requirements. Kyana has become standard and is making it possible to improve efficiency in a data-driven way. Banknotes remain in circulation – with new security features that provide the highest level of protection. Koenig & Bauer is setting standards in other high-security print applications too with its Vision & Protection technology. Sustainability is deeply embedded in every process: resource-saving materials, carbon-neutral production and a closed recycling cycle are already a daily reality. Yet none of this would be possible without the people behind Koenig & Bauer. Our employees are the motor propelling us towards this future – with their expertise, creativity and passion. They are driving innovations, actively shaping the transformation process and working together with our partners to develop new solutions for tomorrow’s world of print. By making specific use of AI, they are gaining valuable time that they can invest in customer dialogues, strategic tasks and creative developments. Koenig & Bauer will remain a reliable partner to its customers come 2050 – accompanying them through the digital transformation, developing innovations in tandem and opening up new markets. The seeds for this future are already being sown today – with digital solutions, the automation of production processes and a consistent focus on sustainable innovations.
Und wie sieht Ihr Prompt für die Zukunft von Koenig & Bauer aus?