Over 100 years – only 1.3% of German companies reach this age as going concerns. A family business in its fifth-generation, the internationally renowned manufacturer of precision seals is 150 this year. Only 0.3% of German companies actually belong to this select circle. So COG has a reason to celebrate with its staff, customers – and, not least, with new investments. “But we won’t be looking back. We always move forwards with a clear vision,” say the two managing directors, Jan and Ingo Metzger.
Setting the way ahead for becoming an independent O-ring manufacturer
In 1867, COG was founded as a leather factory with a tannery attached by Gebhardus Metzger in Pinneberg near Hamburg and was later merged with drive belt specialist C. Otto Gehrckens, which started production in the same year. Spanning three centuries, COG’s path has certainly been changeable since then. Today, the company operates at an international level and is an outstanding specialist in seals: the former expert in drive technology has become one of the leading providers of precision seals.
The company produces elastomer seals in different specialist processes for diverse industrial branches, standardised or tailored to individual requirements. COG operates the biggest O-ring warehouse in the world, which houses over 45,000 items. With the reorganisation at the start of this decade, COG set the course successfully in the direction of the future.
Not without our workforce
Our success is backed by a great deal of work, a sense of responsibility, a pioneering spirit and, above all, a will to innovate. Looking back on the decisive years, the two managing directors, Jan and Ingo Metzger, can say that: “We are particularly proud that we have been able to convince almost the entire workforce to come with us on this exciting journey. We have often wondered if we could do it. And then we decided to trust people to go for it. We have been richly rewarded for this!“
Keeping an eye on the future
Cousins Jan and Ingo Metzger are the fifth generation to take over management of the company, and the solid growth course has continued till today and is clear to see. The company has also expanded spatially for many years. A modern high-story warehouse, new production halls and an accompanying administration building have arisen on today’s site in direct proximity to the motorway just outside Hamburg. At present, the fourth construction phase is being planned. Production and technology will be expanded a further 2,000 s qm. A significant sign for customers and staff: the managing directors will continue to look forward in the 151st year, and the hands on the clock continue to point to progress and innovation.
COG in figures
Name and trading name: C. Otto Gehrckens GmbH & Co. KG
Company Headquarters: Gehrstücken 9, 25421 Pinneberg
Founded: 1867
Management: Jan Metzger, Commercial Managing Director, with the company since 1994, and Ingo Metzger, Technical Managing Director, with the company since 1995
Company site: 22,300 sq m
USP: Biggest O-ring warehouse worldwide, with 45,000 items
Workforce: Currently approx. 250 employees
About COG
COG is an independent manufacturer and one of the leading providers of precision seals in Germany. COG supplies premium quality seals from the biggest O-ring warehouse in the world, located in Pinneberg. The company has been a family concern since 1867 and is managed by fifth-generation family members Jan and Ingo Metzger.
Setting the way ahead for becoming an independent O-ring manufacturer
In 1867, COG was founded as a leather factory with a tannery attached by Gebhardus Metzger in Pinneberg near Hamburg and was later merged with drive belt specialist C. Otto Gehrckens, which started production in the same year. Spanning three centuries, COG’s path has certainly been changeable since then. Today, the company operates at an international level and is an outstanding specialist in seals: the former expert in drive technology has become one of the leading providers of precision seals.
The company produces elastomer seals in different specialist processes for diverse industrial branches, standardised or tailored to individual requirements. COG operates the biggest O-ring warehouse in the world, which houses over 45,000 items. With the reorganisation at the start of this decade, COG set the course successfully in the direction of the future.
Not without our workforce
Our success is backed by a great deal of work, a sense of responsibility, a pioneering spirit and, above all, a will to innovate. Looking back on the decisive years, the two managing directors, Jan and Ingo Metzger, can say that: “We are particularly proud that we have been able to convince almost the entire workforce to come with us on this exciting journey. We have often wondered if we could do it. And then we decided to trust people to go for it. We have been richly rewarded for this!“
Keeping an eye on the future
Cousins Jan and Ingo Metzger are the fifth generation to take over management of the company, and the solid growth course has continued till today and is clear to see. The company has also expanded spatially for many years. A modern high-story warehouse, new production halls and an accompanying administration building have arisen on today’s site in direct proximity to the motorway just outside Hamburg. At present, the fourth construction phase is being planned. Production and technology will be expanded a further 2,000 s qm. A significant sign for customers and staff: the managing directors will continue to look forward in the 151st year, and the hands on the clock continue to point to progress and innovation.
COG in figures
Name and trading name: C. Otto Gehrckens GmbH & Co. KG
Company Headquarters: Gehrstücken 9, 25421 Pinneberg
Founded: 1867
Management: Jan Metzger, Commercial Managing Director, with the company since 1994, and Ingo Metzger, Technical Managing Director, with the company since 1995
Company site: 22,300 sq m
USP: Biggest O-ring warehouse worldwide, with 45,000 items
Workforce: Currently approx. 250 employees
About COG
COG is an independent manufacturer and one of the leading providers of precision seals in Germany. COG supplies premium quality seals from the biggest O-ring warehouse in the world, located in Pinneberg. The company has been a family concern since 1867 and is managed by fifth-generation family members Jan and Ingo Metzger.
