PAPUREX W. Büchner GmbH has been manufacturing polyurethane tubing since 1981. The company was founded by Werner Büchner, as can still be seen in its name today. PAPUREX is now celebrating its 45th anniversary. That’s reason enough to celebrate—but also to take a look back at the past. Forty-five years is a long time. For example, the current managing directors, Ivo and Dan Biebl, weren’t even born yet in 1981, the year the company was founded. Not only that, but the world looked a little different back then:
| Example | 1981 and what has changed since | A look back |
|---|---|---|
| The Golf was still a Golf Mk1 |
In 1981, the Volkswagen Golf was still in its first generation. Today, the model is in its eighth generation. Seven generational changes later, PAPUREX is still here. Sources: Volkswagen’s Golf Mk1 and current generation. |
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| Germany was still divided |
The Berlin Wall was still standing. Eight more years would pass before it fell on 9 November 1989. German reunification on 3 October 1990 was still nine years away. |
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| A world without websites |
The World Wide Web did not yet exist. Tim Berners-Lee developed the idea at CERN in 1989 – eight years after PAPUREX was founded. Company websites and online shops were still a thing of the future in 1981. Source: CERN – The birth of the Web. |
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| Even the CD was still in the future |
People listened to music on vinyl records and cassette tapes. CDs only reached the market in late 1982 in Japan and in 1983 in Europe. PAPUREX has witnessed the transition from analogue recordings to CDs and streaming. Source: Philips – Compact Disc, 1982–1983. |
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| “Wetten, dass..?” made its debut |
On 14 February 1981, Frank Elstner hosted the very first episode of “Wetten, dass..?”. PAPUREX and the iconic German TV show were born in the same year. Thomas Gottschalk only took over as host in 1987. Source: ZDF Studios. |
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A 45-year anniversary is not something to be taken for granted
As a 2019 study by Creditreform revealed, such significant anniversaries are not something to be taken for granted. At that time, nearly half of all companies registered in Germany (45%) were no more than ten years old. On average, companies that were removed from the commercial register in 2018 had barely “come of age”—that is, they were 18 years old. In contrast, only 3.5% of all businesses reached 50 years or older. This is a milestone that PAPUREX has yet to achieve. If a company has been in business for 100 years or longer, it joins an illustrious circle comprising just 1.2% of all businesses.
The fact that it seems like every small craft business advertises its 50th anniversary is an excellent example of what’s known as the “survivorship bias.” This phenomenon describes the fact that only the “survivors” are noticed. Those that fell by the wayside, on the other hand, are often forgotten. This makes sense when you consider that most companies are proud of their history and use their longevity as a selling point, while no memorials are erected for all the businesses that had to close their doors.
Yard Party to Celebrate the 45th Anniversary
An anniversary like this is also a reason for the current staff to come together and celebrate. So, the company grounds in Klein-Breitenbach were quickly transformed into a party venue. Since the celebration had been planned back in the spring, the weather at the end of October was still unpredictable. The celebration was originally planned to take place outdoors in the courtyard. However, 10 degrees, a stiff wind, and rain showers didn’t exactly make it inviting to linger outdoors.
In typical PAPUREX fashion, a solution was found for this problem as well: The production area served as a seating area for everyone to eat and drink together. There was plenty of food and drink to go around: The pizza truck from M&M Pizza provided the entire staff with an abundance of different pizzas throughout the festivities. Meanwhile, several activities were offered in the shipping hall. In addition to cornhole, beer pong, and can toss, there was also pumpkin carving for the creatively inclined. Another small highlight was a bounce house set up in the courtyard. Whether young or old—everyone had a grin on their face while bouncing.
PAPUREX says “Thank you!”
A 45-year success story could not have been written without strong partners by our side. Numerous customers, suppliers, partners, and, last but not least, our colleagues have stood by us for several decades. We do not take this for granted, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all. But even some of our newer partnerships are already bearing valuable fruit. Therefore, our gratitude is naturally not limited to our long-standing business relationships alone.
We at PAPUREX look forward to tackling future challenges together with you, and hope to celebrate our 50th anniversary with you in five years.