Michael Kretschmer, prime minister of the Free State of Saxony, visits Koenig & Bauer in Radebeul

On 23 August Michael Kretschmer, Minister President of the Free State of Saxony, visited the Koenig & Bauer plant in Radebeul. In the run-up to the 125th anniversary of the company, which was founded as a high-speed press factory in Dresden, the minister-president informed himself about the latest developments and current challenges in printing press manufacturing.

With 1,800 employees Koenig & Bauer Radebeul is the biggest press manufacturer in the Free State of Saxony, with an export ratio of around 90 per cent, which is above average for Saxony. Sheetfed offset presses from Radebeul are present on all continents and ensure future-oriented, high-performance print production of excellent quality in packaging printing, online printing, label printing and many other special applications.

Today three Koenig & Bauer business units are represented at the site: Koenig & Bauer Industrial as a manufacturer of high-precision components for both printing presses and other branches of industry. Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed develops, assembles and sells highly automated sheetfed offset presses, die-cutters and folder gluers. Koenig & Bauer Germany is responsible for sales and service in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

During a "Grill & Chat" question and answer session, the Minister President answered questions from some of the staff at the site. In a relaxed atmosphere, topics such as the lack of skilled workers, the reduction of bureaucratic processes and qualified immigration were discussed. He was also impressed by the efficiency and commitment of the workforce: "Keep what you have created here. Continue to engage, whether in the workplace or in cities and communities, so that the positive forces have a chance."

Ralf Sammeck, CEO of Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed, is convinced "that joint efforts by politics and industry will position Saxony as a cosmopolitan and attractive state with good career opportunities for skilled immigration."

The Koenig & Bauer site in Radebeul will celebrate its company anniversary on 29 September at a party for all employees.