Jens Pfeiffer joined Automated Packaging Systems in 1994 as Area Sales Manager, initially in Belgium and later in Germany. In 2001, he was appointed General Manager for Germany. Shortly afterwards, the trained industrial clerk also took over sales responsibilities for Austria, Switzerland and Eastern Europe.
pj: Mr Pfeiffer, what is the current focus at APS?
Jens Pfeiffer: We are focussing on the further expansion of automated packaging for small and medium-sized packaging volumes and their sustainability. The distribution of Order fulfilment solutions, our new generation of semi-automatic and fully automatic packaging machines just presented at interpack Autobag 500 and Autobag 550 and Biodegradable bag materials a major role.
pj: What particular challenges did you personally face last year?
Jens Pfeiffer: Our large sales division, the parent company's headquarters in the USA and numerous coordination meetings with the European headquarters in the UK required constant and precise time management. The fast pace of business also meant that we often had to make quick decisions on site at the customer's premises. It wasn't easy to plan time for my hobbies of cycling and running.
pj: How do you assess the economic situation?
Jens Pfeiffer: Very good. I assume that this situation will remain the same for the next 18 to 24 months. After that, I fear the enormous impact of the Brexit.
pj: What effects do you expect for APS?
Jens Pfeiffer: Our products are always developed over the long term in line with signals from the market. Based on our sales to date in 2017 and our latest machine and technology developments, we expect our sales to continue to develop very positively. Our motivated and dedicated team in Wolfenbüttel naturally plays an important role in this.
pj: What do you see as the most important tasks and trends in the industry?
Jens Pfeiffer: An important task for our industry is the further development of the Sustainability. This not only includes more environmentally friendly packaging - customers are increasingly focussing on the presentation of the TOC (Total Organic Carbon). Further reducing the already low energy consumption of machines is one aspect of this. First and foremost, it is the conscious consumer himself who is challenging the industry here. In addition, rising raw material and energy costs are of course also exerting their pressure. The trend in the packaging industry is continuing in the direction of Digitalisation and networking. Packaging is becoming increasingly linked to production and logistics in terms of technology and data. Packaging machines are becoming even more versatile and are becoming a networked part of the overall process.
More interviews from our series Five questions for ...
