René Eberz: Leading Krifft & Zipsner's Automation Revolution

Jan de Vries · 2026-03-18

Let's talk about a company that's quietly dominating a niche. In the world of mechanical engineering, Krifft & Zipsner GmbH is what many call a 'hidden champion.' They've built their reputation on pile turners and complex transport systems, but there's so much more to their story. I recently sat down with their CEO, René Eberz, to understand what really makes this German powerhouse tick, especially their game-changing focus on turnkey automation. ### The Foundation of a Family Business Founded back in 1993 by Klaus Zipsner, this company has spent over three decades perfecting projects for the printing and packaging industry. Think about that for a second—30 years of focusing on high quality and making sure systems are always available. What sets them apart is how they do everything in-house. From manufacturing and assembly to final testing, they control the entire process. This vertical integration isn't just a buzzword for them; it's the secret to their incredible flexibility and seamless operation. ### More Than Just Machines With a team of over 175 skilled professionals, Krifft & Zipsner handles everything from initial consulting and design to assembling custom projects for each client. Their certifications—ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and UL—speak to their commitment to quality and environmental standards. Their scope is massive. They develop logistics systems for all kinds of equipment: - Printing machines and die-cutters - Laminating and foiling machines - Cross-cutting machines And they design these systems to run non-stop, which is crucial in today's 24/7 manufacturing world. They've delivered more than 2,500 machines and conveyor systems globally, making them one of Germany's top automation providers. ### The Turnkey Difference: Pallet Transport Automation Here's where things get really interesting. Beyond their core machinery, Krifft & Zipsner has carved out a specialty in turnkey automation for pallet transport. René explained it to me in simple terms: "Regardless of your product, we ensure that your pallets are moved through your factory efficiently, in a controlled and traceable manner." Automating pallet transport creates a smooth material flow. Every pallet is tracked, so you always know where everything is. The best part? These aren't off-the-shelf solutions. They're tailored specifically to each client's needs, coming from a single, trusted source. As René puts it, "With automation solutions from Krifft & Zipsner, you can optimize your pallet logistics, reduce costs, and increase your competitiveness." ### The People Behind the Technology What truly drives this company is its family ethos. René was passionate about this point. "Success always consists of several components," he told me. "And some of the most important components are the people around you—the family that has your back and is able to ground you." For him, the team isn't just staff; they're family. He believes that facing today's complex business and political challenges requires a united team, and that's exactly what they've built. ### From Apprentice to Visionary CEO René's own journey mirrors the company's hands-on philosophy. He started with a humble apprenticeship as a toolmaker. Through continuous education and sheer determination, he became a master precision mechanic, a technical business economist, and a REFA technician. His career path took him through various roles in mechanical engineering, each adding new skills and perspectives. All these experiences have shaped him into the leader he is today—down-to-earth in his daily dealings but absolutely visionary when planning for the future. He understands the technology, the business, and most importantly, the people. It's this unique combination that makes Krifft & Zipsner not just a supplier of machines, but a true partner in automation.