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We had to increase production despite limited space. So it was crucial to find a solution that not only saved space but was also highly efficient.
ULRICH METTEN | Managing Partner
A Partnership
That Creates Lasting Value
A business relationship that goes far beyond the usual has developed over many years between the Metten Group, based in Finnentrop in the idyllic Sauerland region, and Schröter in East Westphalia. Metten, a traditional manufacturer of around 100 products from the sausage and ham range, and Schröter Technologie, a pioneer in system technology, can now look back on over 30 years of a partnership based on shared values, innovation, and a friendly working relationship. Their history is not only an example of a successful partnership, but also proof of how special customer requirements can be implemented in innovative ways.
From the first days when Schröter and Metten crossed paths, it was clear that this would not be an ordinary business relationship. With a shared passion for quality, the two companies embarked on a journey that continues to this day. “What began as a simple supplier customer relationship has developed into a deep partnership based on mutual respect and trust,” explains Tobias Metten, managing partner. “This is due to the fact that we have very similar ideas about what defines a successful company.” Numerous project discussions with management, production, and technology teams have repeatedly resulted in practical and viable solutions that incorporate feasible system technology and product knowledge from both sides.
One of the greatest challenges was the limited availability of space in Metten’s Hot Smoking Department, which required a creative and efficient solution. “Our production environment presents our suppliers with a unique challenge,” explains Ulrich Metten, managing partner.
In the place of 2 x 8-wagon cooking systems, 2 new 12-wagon THERMICjet® hot-smoke cooking systems with smoke generators have now been installed, with a small extension. A one-of-a-kind dual-channel system per row of wagons guarantees absolutely uniform drying – an important factor for the quality of Metten’s products. The systems also have an increased air volume to optimally dry existing 2200 mm high wagons and an optional cold air cooling system to achieve the correct final weight for canned sausages. “The standard cooking function is particularly important for our seasonal products, such as our bratwurst range,” explains Ulrich Metten.
The results of this partnership are impressive. The THERMICjet® systems have not only increased Metten’s production capacity, they also guarantee product quality at a consistently high level. And the results are impressive – the anchor product “Thick Sauerland” Bockwurst, Germany’s most popular canned sausage, was recognized once again as a top brand by ‘Lebensmittelzeitung’ in 2023. Numerous products receive DLG awards every year and in 2023, Metten was also awarded the “North Rhine-Westphalia State Prize for Food” by the Ministry of Agriculture. These and many other successes are no reason for Metten to rest on its laurels, however. In fact, the opposite is true – with its “Bud Spencer” new licensed bratwurst product, which is extremely popular with customers, the next big taste sensation and hot seller from the Sauerland region is already on the horizon.
“The history of Schröter and Metten is more than just a success story of two companies,” sums up Klaus Schröter, managing partner at Schröter. “It’s a testimony to how a business relationship can develop into an almost family-like partnership that is fun for both sides. At a time when short-term gains are often prioritized over long-term relationships, our relationship with Metten demonstrates that true partnership and shared values are the key to lasting success.”
The Metten Group was founded in 1902 in Finnentrop as a country butcher’s shop. Even back then, the company’s products were extremely popular. In 1961, the triumphal march of the “Thick Sauerland” Bockwurst in the blue and red tin can began. Today, Metten’s range includes over 100 different high-quality products.
METTEN GROUP: Metten Fleischwaren GmbH & Co. KG, Biggetaler Fleischwaren GmbH
LOCATION: Finnentrop
FOUNDED in: 1902
EMPLOYEES: 400 (incl. 15 vocational trainees)
REVENUE: approx. 120 million euros annually
PRODUCTION AREA: 30,000 m2
PRODUCTION QUANTITY: approx. 300 tons per week
PRODUCT range: over 100 high-quality products in the five segments of Aspic, Boiled Ham, Raw Sausage, Boiled Sausage, and Canned Sausage
WEB: www.metten.net