agathon: From family business to world market leader
The success story of agathon is an impressive journey from a regional family business to a global market leader. Founded over 75 years ago, at that time still in Bottrop, now based in Essen, the company has continuously developed and is now synonymous with high-quality plastic moulds, especially in the chocolate industry.
The beginnings:
- agathon started as a small company specializing in the production of chocolate moulds.
- Early on, the company recognized the potential of the market for industrial chocolate moulds (at that time still made of metal).
The rise to world market leadership:
- Through continuous investments in research and development as well as state-of-the-art production technologies, agathon was able to constantly improve its products and open up new markets.
- The focus on quality, precision and customer satisfaction has contributed significantly to the success of the company.
- agathon has built long-term partnerships with leading chocolate manufacturers and plant producers worldwide.
- An important step in the company’s recent history is the move to the newly built company site/headquarters in Essen.
The success factors:
- Innovation: agathon always relies on innovative solutions and the latest technologies.
- Quality: The company is committed to the highest quality standards in all areas.
- Customer focus: agathon maintains close, personal relationships with its customers and offers customized solutions.
- Global presence: agathon is active worldwide and supplies customers in numerous countries.
- Modernization: In recent years, agathon has invested heavily in future-oriented manufacturing processes and state-of-the-art workplaces.
agathon today:
- agathon is a global company with a strong focus on the chocolate industry.
- The company is known for its high-quality plastic moulds, which are used worldwide in large-scale industrial production.
- agathon is an important employer in the region and is committed to sustainable business practices.
The success story of agathon is proof of the innovative strength and entrepreneurship of the Ruhr area.
New site fully operational
Just three years after the ground-breaking ceremony, agathon was able to put the new production site into full operation in January 2025 and managed to complete the mega project “factory relocation“ without any production downtime.
Installation of the LOGIMAT storage lift system
New logistics system: We are increasing storage space, enabling faster access times and improving ergonomics. At the new location, a state-of-the-art digital lift system from SSI SCHAEFER with a capacity of around 800 trays is installed in the warehouse.
We can do more than just chocolate
Our brands “CDC” (Chocolate Design Center) and Chocovision become “FDC” (Food Design Center) and Convisions. Why? Because agathon has established itself in far more than just the chocolate industry and we now want to reflect this in our brand name.
Ground-breaking ceremony for new building
In order to meet the increasing demand for production capacity and the associated development and administrative requirements, and to be future-proof, we are taking a very important step for agathon and building a new production facility. By almost doubling the total area, we are creating space for many new projects, as well as for new jobs in the Ruhr region.
Research on new materials
Along with the recruitment of new staff for increase in personnel in the agathon development team, we are starting very early with research and development of alternative materials to supplement or replace polycarbonate and BPA in plastic moulds.
Automation of injection moulding
In order to increase production capacity and quality continuity, but also to improve workplace ergonomics, we are starting to automate our injection moulding machines.
Intelligent chocolate moulds equipped with sensors
agathon introduces the first intelligent, logTEC mould: With this patented system, production parameters can be recorded and evaluated directly on the product, e.g. to increase efficiency. in order to increase efficiency, for example.
Establishment of ChocoVisions
Department for innovative product development and process optimization.
Establishment of the Chocolate Design Center CDC
Product design from the first idea to the single mould in record time.
Expansion by 3 milling centers
with 3 high-speed milling centers to adapt to increased precision requirements.
Introduction of the latest laser technology
New in-house equipment for faster response to customer requirements.
Introduction of virtual modeling systems
Visions and their implementation in creative designs for efficient further processing.
Takeover of agathon by Volker Krämer
In 2001, Volker Krämer took over the agathon group from Dr. Harbecke.
CNC milling and eroding technology
The first CNC milling center and the first die-sinking EDM machine are put into operation at agathon.
Changeover from metal to plastic
Revolution in chocolate mould making - changeover from metal moulds to plastic moulds based on polycarbonate with upstream injection moulding tool making.
Start in a global market niche
Establishment of Agathon Metallwarenfabrik GmbH. Production of chocolate moulds made of metal including upstream punching tool making.
ConceptDevelopmentRealizationSupport
agathonFood Design CenterConvisions
(this is agathon)
Innovative technologies and processes
Innovative solutions to push the boundaries of what is possible in mold making.
Creative food design
Where design, functionality and technical know-how merge into unique forms that revolutionize food presentation and production.
high-quality mold making
The most modern technologies and materials to ensure products of the highest quality and functionality.
Material consulting
Material consulting is an important part of agathon's innovation strategy and contributes to the company's position as a technology leader in the food industry.
