Company history
Power your Ideas.
Our history – innovation with tradition
What began as a small craft business in the 1950s has developed over decades into an internationally successful group of companies. The history of Saueressig is characterized by innovative strength, technological pioneering spirit, and a continuous commitment to actively shaping the future.
Even in the early years, the focus was on precision and quality – values that still guide our actions today. As the demand for high-quality tools and solutions for the printing and finishing industry grew, so did our company: new technologies were developed, markets were opened up, and locations were established in Germany and abroad.
Today, the name Saueressig stands for a strong network of experts in the fields of printing, finishing, engraving technology, toolmaking, and surface structuring. We combine our many years of experience with a forward-looking approach – whether in the development of sustainable processes, digitalization, or international partnerships.
Our history is not a closed chapter – it is an ongoing process, driven by people with ideas, customers with visions and a clear goal: to enable our customers to progress.
The beginning – technology & team spirit
Technical expertise and family cohesion have shaped the culture from the very beginning.
1953: Vredener Tiefdruckgravuren Saueressig + Co. is founded with just five employees. Production begins with self-built equipment for photogravure in intaglio printing, specifically for textiles, decorative fabrics, and clothing.
1955: Construction of the first company building. The company grows rapidly, with over 40 employees and sales of just under DM 1 million.
End of the 1950s: The number of employees rises to over 100 – business is booming.
From craftsmanship to industrial gravure printing
With new technologies and locations, Saueressig grows into a recognized industrial company.
1962: Entry into the industrial production of gravure printing forms for decoration and packaging – a technological change with a focus on reproducible quality.
1963: Establishment of our own electroplating plant, including steel core production. This achieves a high degree of independence from external suppliers.
1964: Founding of the Saueressig Design Studio in Mönchengladbach and thus the first expansion of the company.
1967: The introduction of scanning technology improves the precision of graphic element reproduction.
1968: Saueressig is the first company worldwide to introduce electronic “Helio” engraving.
1968: Saueressig establishes itself as the world’s first supplier for the complete production of gravure printing forms for packaging.
1969: The steel core production requires more space and moves across the street. In retrospect, this marks the birth of Saueressig Engineering.
As early as 1969, Saueressig makes a decisive contribution to the packaging boom in the Federal Republic of Germany: At that time, around one in three food products sold in stores is packaged in plastic—printed with gravure rollers from Vreden. At the same time, Saueressig helps shape the spirit of the times with its significant involvement in the design of printed tablecloths and trendy self-adhesive films, which are considered the epitome of modern home decor at the time.
High tech moves in
Saueressig is an early adopter of new technologies and gives employees access to digital tools.
1976: The use of computers in layout revolutionizes the way people work—manual design is now supported by digital technology.
Late 1970s: SCITEX image processing is introduced for electronic prepress and efficient work on repro systems.
Science, laser technology & growth
Technological pioneering spirit meets continuous investment in qualifications and future viability.
1982: Move to an expanded production facility to integrate new laser and EBV technologies.
1989: Installation of the first large laser system for the production of 3D surfaces.
1989/1990: Saueressig moves into two new buildings for its engineering and decorative printing mold divisions.
Digitization & automation
Saueressig is committed to automation, but remains a strong employer with a growing workforce.
1993-1998: Founding of SAUERESSIG USA – the first step into the North American market. Use of existing M&W production facilities in the US on the basis of a 5-year contract.
1994: Introduction of ISDN at Saueressig for fast global communication and data transfer between customers and the company. Start of fully networked prepress.
1995: Investment in DSD Direktservice, Hamburg – expansion of business areas and new synergies.
1997: Start of filmless production of Digitalform gravure cylinders with individual screen combinations using laser technology. Outstanding image and text sharpness without “sawtooth effect.”
1999: With the plant in Poznan, Poland, the first Saueressig production facility outside Germany goes into operation.
Internationalization & new standards
New technologies, new markets – but still with a clear commitment to quality, team culture, and sustainable growth.
2000: Market launch of proprietary sleeve technology for printing and embossing.
2001: Construction of a fully automated inline production line – production output of up to 50 structured printing cylinders per day.
2001: Founding of Saueressig Jordan in Amman – first production facility in the Middle East, focusing on packaging printing. Awarded the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence for quality and export performance.
2006: Founding of a Saueressig site in Novgorod (Russia).
2008: Acquisition of a site in Izmir (Turkey).
2008: The takeover by the US group Matthews International marks a turning point in the company’s history: Saueressig becomes part of a globally active group.
Strategic integration & technological bundling
International brand solutions, repro expertise, and gravure printing technology under one roof.
2011: Integration of Kroma (Turkey), 2015 SGK merger
2017: Integration of UNGRICHT GmbH + Co. KG (Mönchengladbach, Germany).
Time for the next chapter – back to our roots and forward
2022: Integration of AKG Ahler Gravuren GmbH (Vreden, Germany)
2023: We have reason to celebrate: 70 years of SAUERESSIG
