Site Spotlight: 80 Years of Family Heritage and Manufacturing Excellence at R+S Group in Germany

From a small stationery shop in post-war Germany to one of Europe’s leading paper roll manufacturers, the story of R+S Group is one of innovation, resilience and family commitment.

Today, Schades Group’s site in Sarstedt is home to a highly automated production facility serving customers across Europe and beyond, producing everything from thermal paper rolls and labels to specialist printing solutions. But behind the technology is eight decades of history and a team whose dedication has helped shape the business into what it is today.

In this blog, we explore the history of R+S Group, as the latest instalment in our site spotlight series focusing on our 11 sites across Europe.

The origins of R+S Group date back to 1946, when Hans-Ernst Reker took over a small stationery business in Hanover. Recognising a growing demand for cash register rolls, he transformed the business into a specialist paper roll manufacturer, laying the foundations for decades of growth.

As production expanded, the company moved to a new site in Hanover-Misburg in 1956. Out of respect for the site’s previous owner, the business became known as Reker & Schlingmann Papierrollenfabrik GmbH. The Schlingmann name remained as a lasting tribute, eventually becoming a recognised brand in its own right.

Over the following decades, the business continually evolved, expanding from calculator rolls and fax paper into an extensive range of paper roll and label solutions.

Following Hans-Ernst Reker’s passing in 1992, the next generation of the family took the reins. His daughters, Dagmar Reker-Pütz and Susanne Polzer, built a strong foundation for the business, with Dagmar leading sales, operations and purchasing while Susanne oversaw finance and human resources.

In 2007, Hans’ grandson Marcel Bergmann took over the leadership of the company, continuing the family’s long-standing commitment to independent ownership and sustainable growth.

On the strengths of his family business, Marcel comments: « The most important lessons my grandfather taught me were simple: Monetary debts are debts to be delivered, not debts to be collected. Earn it yourself through diligence in order to possess it. Those values still guide our business today. »

In 2013, the business – which had grown to around 30 employees – became R+S Group GmbH, with Sarstedt becoming the company’s new headquarters for both administration and production.

Just two years later, R+S Group joined Schades Group under ownership of the Hansol Paper, strengthening the wider organisation’s manufacturing capabilities across Europe.

Reflecting on that period, Marcel says joining Schades completed the puzzle. « R+S Group was the missing piece of the Schades Group. Together, we were able to support each other through shared production capacity, expertise and supply capabilities, creating a stronger business for our customers. »

In 2020, Marcel bought the company back through the newly founded Harbour Investment GmbH, returning the business to family ownership. Today, Marcel is Chairman of Schades Group, demonstrating his commitment to continuity and responsibility.

For 80 years, R+S Group has specialised in converting paper into high-quality rolls for virtually every application.

Today, the Sarstedt facility produces paper rolls for office machines, printers, banking systems, retail, industrial applications and specialist sectors requiring bespoke solutions.

Its capabilities include:

The site also works with a wide range of paper grades, including thermal papers, labels and linerless papers, inkjet papers and specialist coated products.

Whether it’s ATM rolls, account statement rolls, cheque rolls or customised industrial applications, the Sarstedt team focuses on delivering exactly what customers need.

Continuous investment has been central to R+S Group’s success. Modern, highly automated production equipment allows the site to manufacture efficiently while maintaining the flexibility to respond quickly to changing customer requirements.

Udo Nitz, Managing Director of Heipa Technische Papiere GmbH and R+S Group GmbH – both of Schades Group’s sites in Germany – commented:

« R+S Group was able to further consolidate its market position throughout 2025 and 2026 by tapping into new customer potential. We manufacture high-quality products for our customers in a state-of-the-art, highly efficient and fully automated production facility.

« Additional machines installed during 2026 have further increased our production capacity and flexibility, allowing us to respond even more effectively to customer requirements.

« Above all, it is our employees who have made this successful development possible. »

While technology continues to evolve, R+S Group’s greatest strength remains its people. Many colleagues have spent well over a decade with the company, with 13 beginning their careers at the original Hanover-Misburg site before moving to Sarstedt.

One of them is Customer Service Manager, Sabrina Knust. Having joined the company as a trainee in 2005, Sabrina has worked across several departments before progressing into her current management role.

« Working with people has always been my favourite part of the job. I particularly enjoy the direct contact with our customers – the interaction, finding solutions and the chance to provide them with the best possible support motivates me every day.

“I am now the Customer Service Manager, responsible for our team in Sarstedt. In this position, I really appreciate working alongside my colleagues. Open communication is important to me, and I’m happy to provide support wherever it’s needed. Together, we work to ensure that our customers receive the best possible service and that their enquiries are dealt with reliably and professionally.

“After more than 20 years with the company, I’m proud to be part of the R+S Group and to contribute to the success of our company alongside a highly dedicated team.”

Sabrina is just one of many long-serving employees whose experience and commitment continue to drive the business forward, reflecting the strong culture that has remained at the heart of R+S Group throughout its history.

Nearly 80 years after Hans-Ernst Reker spotted an opportunity in cash register rolls, R+S Group continues to evolve.

From expanding sustainable product offerings to investing in new production technology, the company remains focused on delivering innovative solutions while preserving the family values that have guided it for generations.

As part of Schades Group, the Sarstedt site continues to play a vital role in supporting customers across Europe with high-quality paper roll and label solutions, combining decades of expertise with a clear commitment to the future.

To read about the history of our other sites, visit our news & insights page.