History
Our company's history : From the beginning until today a great success!
1947
Kurt G. Hinterkopf works as a production engineer at the Durodont company in Eislingen.
1952
Kurt G. Hinterkopf is manager of the Chlorodont company in Frankfurt and gains experience in their tube factory.
1953
Technical work for the Mall company take him to Vietnam, India and Pakistan.
1954
It is here that he first has the idea of developing a ”robot”.
1960
Kurt G. Hinterkopf forms his own company.
The adapter for the legendary ”robot” is built in the Schindler workshop in Eislingen.
The adapter for the legendary ”robot” is built in the Schindler workshop in Eislingen.
1962
The first ”robot” is finished. Later approx. 550 will be produced. The first production rooms are rented from the Geiger & Ruede company in Eislingen.
1962
The pneumatic robot (DMC) takes on a task previously done by hand – transferring the tube casing.
1967
The Hinterkopf company moves into its own new building in January.
1968
The era of the mechanically timed machines begins (MGB/H100); the inclined feeder conveyor and discharging conveyor belt are developed.
1970
Basic machine (H150) – further development of the MKB.
1975
The first capping machine (A152).
1977
A machine for tube coniforming is developed.
1981
The 6 colour printing unit (DW12) goes into series production.
1981
Alexander Hinterkopf, son of the company founder Anna and Kurt G. enters into the company.
1983
Basic machine (H200) – further development of the H150.
1984
The company founder, Kurt G. Hinterkopf, passes away.
1989
Alexander Hinterkopf is appointed as Managing Director.
1990
Process visualisation is the out-standing new development as well as motorised ink ducts.
1991
Control equipment is integrated. Ink recognition is introduced.
1993
The H200 is a milestone. It is a complete plant for producing aluminium cans. The digital drive control is introduced.
1995
Take-over of the Nussbaum AG company in Switzerland.
1995
Now lids can be exactly positioned.
1997
Machine operation can now be accomplished via a graphic operating surface and touch screen.
1998
Hinterkopf takes over the product section packaging machines from the Flums AG company in Switzerland.
1999
The new development is the A222, a doubly synchronised capping machine.
2000
After 32 years of only mechanically timed machines, the C400 now offers continuous production for especially high production quantities.
2002
The N30 necking machine was modernised and integrated into the Hinterkopf machine program.
2004
New development of the R080 screen printing machine with 3 inking units, for direct printing with rotary screens, allowing high ink-layer thicknesses.
2007
Development of a new machine concept for printing and coating machines.
Higher number of cycles and improved user friendliness were given priority.
Higher number of cycles and improved user friendliness were given priority.
2007
Further development of the screen printing machine for 6-color prints at a higher production speed of 160 parts/min.
2009
Construction and opening of a new technology center for testing and setting up machines.
2009
New machine concept for can forming processes based on longer, variable work strokes and using 40 work stations. New forming techniques are possible, such as necking over the complete can wall length, positioned embossing and rolling of threads.
2010
The company founder Anna Hinterkopf passes away at the age of 84.
2011
The trimming and brushing machine B240 successfully concludes the development of the 240-cycle-can-line series.
2012
Completion of the new capping machine F240A. A new platform is created with this machine.
2013
Presentation of the digital printing machine D240. World debut!
2014
The necking machine N50 is presented at the METPACK in Essen. The first necking machine worldwide with 50 stations.
2015
The first digital printing machine D240 went successfully at Ritter in Augsburg into operation.
2016
Completion of the new A240 capping machine that applies caps to tubes fully automatically.
2017
The new necking machine N40.4 XL is able to process cans with diameter up to 88mm.
2017
The new generation D240.2 launches with several important upgrades.
2018
Hinterkopf acquires the exclusive license to manufacture and sell impact extrusion presses by Schuler with press forces ranging from 150 to 400 tons.
2020
Ten digital printing machines are in operation across the globe, producing a grand total of 1 million containers each day, with an amazing daily 250 different graphics.