Site Spotlight: Over 400 years of papermaking heritage in Heiligenstadt, Germany

Schades Group has 11 sites across Europe – from Denmark to Turkey – built on a legacy of over a century of paper roll and label manufacturing expertise.

In this blog series, we are exploring the rich history of these sites, looking at each one’s individual journey – from the people who built the business in these locations to the products and customers that helped them grow.

Few locations reflect this heritage more strongly than Heiligenstadt, Germany, where papermaking has played a role in local industry for more than four centuries.

Paper production in Heiligenstadt dates back long before Schades Group. Historical findings show that paper production can be tracked back to the 17^th century. In 1621, Johann Zwehl constructed the Zwehl paper mill, laying the foundations for a long manufacturing tradition in the region.

Two years later, in 1623, the Elector of Mainz granted Zwehl the exclusive right to collect rags in Eichsfeld – an important raw material for paper production at the time.

The mill remained in the von Zwehl family until 1829, when it was sold to Theodor Dietrich Lovis. Under the Lovis family, papermaking in Heiligenstadt continued for five generations, helping to establish the town as an important centre of paper production.

The 19th and early 20th centuries brought major technical changes to the site. Between 1836 and 1923, the mill expanded with new machinery, steam boilers, turbines and electric lighting.

In 1854, operations were relocated to the former copper mill, where the first paper machine was installed. This was followed by another milestone in 1897, when cardboard production began.

As production developed, so did the site’s workforce. From 35 employees in 1875 to 1,463 by 1925, the rapid growth in this half-century demonstrates the expanding scale and importance of the site to the local economy.

Like many industrial businesses in Europe, the Heiligenstadt site experienced significant political and economic change throughout the 20th century.

Following expropriation in 1949, the business became VEB Papier- und Pappenfabrik Heiligenstadt in 1951. During this period, the site continued to modernise with new cutting machinery, automated systems and recovery technology.

Between 1950 and 1988, annual paper production increased from 3,930 tonnes to more than 20,000 tonnes. At its peak in 1988, the business employed 1,402 people, including 1,081 production workers.

Even during challenging periods, products manufactured in Heiligenstadt were exported internationally, helping to secure employment and maintain the site’s industrial importance.

Following German reunification, the business entered a new phase. On 1 September 1990, Heipa Technische Papiere GmbH was founded after Boeder AG acquired parts of the operation.

Over time, the business evolved from traditional paper manufacturing into specialist paper processing, responding to changing technologies and customer demand.

Since joining Schades Group in 2005, Heipa has become an important part of our European network. Together with R+S in Sarstedt, the site supports customers across the DACH and Benelux regions.

Today, Heipa specialises in the production and distribution of cash register rolls and speciality rolls for a wide range of applications. The focus is on processing thermosensitive materials and delivering tailored roll solutions for customers with high-volume operational needs.

From the Heiligenstadt site, 50 employees work in a three-shift production system, while a further 30 colleagues in administration, sales and shipping ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Products are supplied primarily to major food and non-food retail chains in Germany, their branches across Europe, national and international resellers, office supply chains, and customers in the service and logistics sectors.

The story of Heiligenstadt is also the story of the people who have dedicated decades of service to the business.

Marion Fürstenberg joined the company in 1979, beginning her career in production as a machine operator. She later became a shift supervisor, moved into administration as a production planner in 1990, and from 2007 served as technical manager. Today, Marion is responsible for workplace and plant safety. Officially retired since 2024, she continues to work full-time and remains deeply connected to the company.

Edgar Finkelmeyer joined in 1975 and spent his career leading finance and controlling functions at Heipa, most recently as finance manager. Although he officially retired in 2025, Edgar continues to support the business with payroll and accounting tasks from time to time.

The dedication of longstanding staff members Marion and Edgar reflects the loyalty, expertise and commitment that have helped the site adapt and thrive across generations.

From its earliest verified papermaking records in 1604 to its role today as a specialist producer of cash register and speciality rolls, the Heiligenstadt site has continually evolved to meet changing markets and technologies.

More than 400 years on, this proud manufacturing tradition continues under the Schades Group name – built on resilience, innovation and the people who make it possible every day.

Get in touch with our German team to find out how they can support your cash register and speciality paper roll requirements.