Company
Filling, closing, packaging – with state-of-the-art technology. Cutting edge machine solutions for the entire packaging world – that is our commitment.
Company profile
Optima packaging technologies are considered leading-edge in many fields worldwide
Optima with headquarters in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, teams with its subsidiaries to design and build packaging equipment for pharmaceutical, consumer, nonwoven and life science products – from single standard machines to complete complex turnkey systems. Whether custom solutions or modular standard units, functions are consistently tailored to the specific needs of the customers and their industries. Optima is the worldwide leader in packaging technologies for many fields. Founded in 1922, the family owned and operated business is in its third generation and employs a workforce of more than 3,000 at its 20 international sites. An export share of over 85% is indicative of the company’s international standing.
Employees worldwide
Turnover in 2022
Export worldwide
founded / 3. generation
Sustainability in all areas
Long-term thinking and acting, holistically oriented
Sustainability is not a vogue word for us. That means thinking in the long-term and aligning actions to it. Optima puts this term into action - in all areas. Like everything we do, our commitment pursues a long-term perspective.
Environmental protection and the planned management of energy and resource consumption are integral elements of our company and provide an important contribution to the success of the company.
Business dealings and arrangements are always linked with interventions into nature and the environment. Because of this, Optima has the responsibility to continuously improve the environmental compatibility of its products and to reduce the demand on natural resources. Environmental protection benefits not only the natural resources, but also benefits the company. Optima strives for environmentally and socially compatible solutions for its products, from production to disposal.
DQS
Safety and health are integral elements of our company and provide an important contribution to the success of the company.
Guidelines for safety and health (PDF)
Optima has been operating successfully for 90 years and as a medium-sized family-owned enterprise we are trying to uphold our values and principles and to operate in an environmentally sustainable manner, to think future-oriented and thereby guard the welfare of people and the environment pursuant to national and international guidelines.
Code of Conduct - Stakeholders
The satisfaction of all employees is something Optima feels very strongly about. Secure jobs, a high degree of personal responsibility, quick decision making, success bonuses, comprehensive educational and training opportunities and social benefits as well as flexible work time are the highlights of the work environment at Optima.
Vocational training and professional development at Optima have an excellent reputation. Despite the high number of training positions, the number of applications far exceeds what is offered.
Higher education fairs, internships and thesis work are used to recognize talent early and attract interest in the company.
With Robotik AG, a course for those interested in technology, Optima supports students in regional schools and attracts their interest in technical careers.
Combining career and private life is an important requirement for personal well-being.
In doing so, among other features, we support our employees with modern, ergonomic workstations. Our flexible work times and versatile work models allow us to find an individual solution together to receive a balance between career and private life. We also provide an information area including topics such as health, compatibility of career and children and caring for relatives.
Economic success is the future of the company. In addition, high reinvestments and other factors have allowed owner-operated Optima to succeed for decades in continuously creating secure jobs with high standards. Job satisfaction and social orientation are integral parts of the corporate philosophy.
Together with financial contributions from other companies from the region, the Campus Schwäbisch Hall has become established, preparing over 500 students annually for their careers.
Milestones
OPTIMA looks back at its long history, dating back to 1922
2022
Experience exciting stories about 100 years of Optima:
www.100-years-of-future.com2020
Since October 2020, Senning GmbH has joined the Optima Group based in Schwaebisch Hall. The Bremen-based company specializes in the production and packaging of paper and tissue products.
Further information can be found in our press release
EMKON automation GmbH from Kirchlinteln (Verden district, Lower Saxony) has been strengthening the Optima Group since August 1, 2020. Machine solutions for weighing and packaging fine-cut tobacco are produced there. Optima thus strengthens its market position as a turnkey supplier.
Further information can be found in our press release2019
At the beginning of March, Rianta packaging systems GmbH becomes part of the Optima Group. The employees of the company, which was called PS mako GmbH before the integration, contribute a great deal of know-how in the field of pouch packaging. Rianta has been manufacturing bag filling and sealing machines for the food, luxury food and paper hygiene industries for 55 years.
The Optima Group's logistics centre creates the conditions for short distances, efficient operating procedures and fast spare parts deliveries. OPTIMA materials management GmbH and the Global Parts Service are located in the new building at the Solpark in Schwäbisch Hall-Hessental. The employees have mastered the "go-live" as planned at the beginning of 2019.
2018
Maier Packaging GmbH becomes part of the Optima Packaging Group on June 1, 2018. The company based in Bergen on Lake Chiemsee is a leader in the field of special solutions for production and packaging machines in the dairy industry.
Further information can be found in our press release2017: Gerhard Breu becomes Chief Representative
Gerhard Breu is leading the Optima Pharma Division as Chief Representative since July 2017. His responsibilities include strategy development and implementation.2016: R+E Automation Technology
R+E Automation Technology from Fellbach becomes part of the Optima packaging group. The company's portfolio includes assembly systems, in particular automatic assembly machines based on the rotary transfer principle as well as assembly transfer lines.
Further information can be found in our press release2011 - 2015
Optima welcomed its 2,000th employee to the team on August 3rd, 2015.
Faults can be localized using integrated LED bands. This Optima solution has been awarded with the honorable mention by the red dot design awards jury.In 2012, Optima celebrated its 90th year of service with its 1,700 employees and their families.
2011: Metall + Plastic, a company that specializes in isolators and decontamination systems for pharmaceutical products and is based in Radolfzell, Germany, becomes part of OPTIMA pharma GmbH.2000 - 2010
The Packaging Valley Germany e.V. association, which was founded in 2007, integrates over 40 companies from across the packaging industry. Optima is one of the founding members of this association, and an active member of its' Board of Directors. More information is available at www.packaging-valley.com.
Hans Otto Bühler received the Merit Medal of the State of Baden-Württemberg in 2005.
Packaging is becoming smaller and more specific to target groups. Portion packages are gaining in acceptance of use and popularity. In 2004, Optima also entered this emerging range of products with its CFL machine.The 90s: Expansion into new markets
In 1997, OPTIMA founded its location in Vinhedo, Brazil, officially known as OPTIMA do Brasil Máquinas de Embalagem Ltda. Today, it is Optima's largest international location.
Kugler, manufacturer of filling and sealing machines for the pharmaceutical & cosmetics industry, becomes part of Optima. With the addition of Kugler, the company enters into the cosmetics market.
1999: AMOTEK S.r.l. a socio unico (Bologna, Italy), manufacturer of packaging machines for paper hygiene & consumer products, becomes part of Optima.
The 80s: The start of internationalization
In January 1980, Hans Otto Bühler, son of Dr. Max Bühler, joins the company's management team.
The OPTIMA Machinery Corporation subsidiary is founded in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is Optima's first international location, which has been followed by many more.Company anniversary in the 70s
Optima was already present in over 40 countries and had a total of 177 employees at the time of the company's 50th anniversary in 1972.The 50s & 60s: Innovations conquer the market
In the mid-1960s, Optima enters the flourishing paper hygiene market.
The CH bag sealing machine, which could seal filled plastic and paper bags, was one of the many innovations of this time. The Clipfix fasteners conquer the market.The founding years 1922 - 1949
Large parts of the company were destroyed during the last months of the war. Dr. Max Bühler, son of the company's founder, begins the reconstruction efforts immediately after the end of the war.
Otto Bühler founded Optima Maschinenfabrik - manufacturer of filling scales for foodstuffs and other everyday products.
The first patent was applied for in October 1921.
Community and social engagement
Optima also completes tasks that extend beyond strictly business objectives
Cooperation with Heilbronn University
As a sponsor and partner of the Schwäbisch Hall campus, Optima is also involved beyond strictly business objectives. A win-win situation for both sides: The students gain insight into the Optima world through internships, projects and thesis work. The company is presenting itself to the specialists of tomorrow.
Packaging Valley Germany e. V.
Optima is a founding member of Packaging Valley Germany e.V., headquartered in Schwäbisch Hall. The association was founded in 2007 and its objective is to promote numerous companies in packaging and special purpose machine manufacturing in the region. Currently, over 40 companies from the region are involved in the network.
Doctors without Borders
Optima has supported "Doctors without Borders" for many years. The company's objective is to provide medical treatment to people in need, regardless of their ethnic background, religious or political affiliations and bring public awareness to their situation.
Packaging Museum
Since opening in 1997, the German Packaging Museum (Deutsche Verpackungs-Museum) in Heidelberg, as the first and only museum of its kind, has focused on the cultural achievements of packaging. Along with numerous brand manufacturers and dealers, Optima is also a member of the supporter association.
Robotik AG
Optima has been working with schools in the region since 2012. In light of the shortage of workers in technical fields, the primary goal is to inspire the trainees and talented young people to get involved in technical vocational training programs at an early stage. With Robotik AG, versatile and complex content is conveyed through games and other fun activities.
Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns
Professional football teams are the home team at three Optima locations: Marburg, Schwäbisch Hall and Green Bay in the US. The dedication visibly demonstrates the great regional affinity to the headquarters in Schwäbisch Hall.
