Reach more and more people.
Kolbe-Coloco
We help you achieve more. With great ideas and state-of-the-art production technology, extensive expertise, a wealth of experience, and the necessary industry knowledge. You can count on us. We’ve been successful in the market since 1828 and have continued to evolve throughout that time—from a printing company to an innovative full-service provider in the print industry.
Kolbe-Coloco
Milestones
When Kolbe-Coloco was founded in 1828, there were neither telephones nor cars. Messages were delivered by letter, and goods were transported by horse-drawn carriages.
For nearly 200 years, our company has been keeping pace with technological change—from the early days of industrialization to modern printing and packaging technology.
1828–1960 | Founding & Development
1828
Friedrich Wilhelm Kolbe founded the Kolbe Bookbinding Shop.
1911
August Kolbe buys his first foot-powered printing press.
1960
Werner Kolbe makes the transition from letterpress printing to offset printing.
1960–1996 | Growth & Progress
1960
Werner Kolbe makes the transition from letterpress printing to offset printing.
1968
The company has 70 employees and generates approximately 1.4 million DM.
1972
The first 4-color offset press is being installed.
1975
The introduction of UV technology in offset printing, a field in which Kolbe-Druck is regarded as a pioneer worldwide.
1978
Installation of the first screen printing machine.
1982
New construction at the current production site.
1987
Patent for the production of tactile symbols using screen printing.
1990
Installation of the first printing presses for the production of self-adhesive roll labels. 140 employees generate sales of 12.3 million DM.
1996
Development of lenticular technology.
2004–2008 | Business Succession
2004
After six generations, the Kolbe family has decided to sell the company to Invest Equity, Austria, due to a lack of a successor to take over the business.
2008
Sale of the company to HQ Equita GmbH.
2010–2015 | Achievements under HQ Equita
2010
Printing Company + Finishing Company of the Year.
2012
Investment in the first digital printing press for the production of roll labels.
2015
Kolbe isFSC®-certified.
2018–2022 | Progress Under H.O. Persiehl
2018
Tradition Meets Tradition: H.O.Persiehl, a family-run company founded in 1849, is acquiring Kolbe-Coloco.
2020
Investment in the first digital sheet-fed printing press (3,000 sheets per hour).
2021
Audits in accordance with SMETA and ISO 9001.
2022
Audit in accordance with ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000.
Achieving More Together
H.O. Persiehl
We are part of a wonderful, family-run company—we are part of the H.O.PERSIEHL Group.
H.O.PERSIEHL, headquartered in Norderstedt near Hamburg, works with us at four locations to produce exciting products for national and international customers. Together, we share the same values and a similar sense of tradition. As a group, we report total revenue of over 100 million euros and collectively employ more than 500 employees.
H.O.PERSIEHL's core competencies lie in the product segments of high-end packaging, sheet labels, and multipacks. For more information about the company, its quality management, and its certifications, please visit the H.O.Persiehl website.