Lasting impression in meat and food production

In the meat and food industry, but also in the pharmaceutical industry, it is crucial to always operate the equipment correctly in the production areas. The Höcker Group therefore provides customized, high-quality labeling of the stainless steel products ordered for their customers. Graphics or logos, informational texts and diagrams, as well as barcodes or QR codes for retrieving information on mobile devices, are possible. "This often serves as valuable assistance for companies in their production processes, especially regarding the handling of the equipment," explains Managing Director Benjamin Höcker. Scale markings on tables, filling rules, and markings facilitate work in food production and the allocation to departments. "But companies also request labeling purely for advertising or informational purposes," adds the managing director of the family business from Wallenhorst near Osnabrück.

High-quality and durable result thanks to chemical process

Thanks to the innovative process used at the H̦cker location in Wallenhorst, the labeling results in a very high-quality finish that works flexibly on all stainless steel equipment: An electro-chemical process guarantees a permanent marking on stainless steel, which visually leaves a highly professional impression Рwhether logo, QR code, barcode, or informational text. The labeling cannot be made illegible by scratches nor washed off Рremoval is only possible through the removal of a significant amount of material or erasure with the marking device. The labeling process can be carried out either directly when ordering H̦cker equipment or accessories in Wallenhorst, or retroactively at the customer's site. "We come directly to the company and carry out the labeling of existing equipment in a straightforward manner," explains H̦cker.

Versatile applications, smart tools

The possibilities of this technology are extremely diverse. Equipment can be customized and personalized – meaning it is specifically assigned to a department or an employee through the labeling. Additionally, many customers find it useful to display filling rules and markings indicating the maximum fill level of containers. In the food industry, especially in bakery trades, the application of scales on tables is also in demand.

"Many customers also order labeling with their logo for advertising purposes, or with warning or informational texts," emphasizes Höcker. "However, the technology takes on a whole new dimension with the display of QR codes." Some Höcker customers generate their own QR codes that provide helpful information to their employees about machinery, service and maintenance intervals, or operational aids. After Höcker custom-labels the equipment with the company's precisely fitting code, an employee only needs to scan the code with their mobile device to immediately access all important information. With proprietary software from the customer, it is ensured that only company tablets with the installed software can read the information. "This has significantly simplified processes for our customers. Where previously all information had to be collected manually, it is now available directly and quickly on-site," explains Höcker. "It can also be a great help for training new employees or staff at other locations."