August Faller GmbH & Co. KG

August Faller GmbH – Centralised control over the network: Faller Packaging relies on Cisco Meraki.

Folding cartons, labels, package inserts – August Faller GmbH & Co. KG, known as Faller Packaging, develops packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. At nine locations in four countries, with more than 1,500 employees. To ensure that production and logistics run smoothly throughout the entire company structure, the network must also function quickly, securely and centrally. To this end, Faller launched an infrastructure project in collaboration with Bechtle, in which all network components were replaced with Cisco Meraki hardware. WLAN, LAN, firewall, sensors and cameras – all centrally controllable and combined in one interface. A real relief for the IT team at the main location in Waldkirch.

Project details.

Services

Security
Networking

Industry

Manufacturing

Manufacturer

Cisco

Company size

> 1,500 employees

Challenge.

A simple overview and centralised control – that was what the IT team at Faller Packaging wanted for all its locations. Instead of heterogeneous hardware and decentralised administration, everything should be administered uniformly. After a proof of concept with Cisco Meraki components was successfully carried out in 2023, it was clear that this test would be expanded into a complete rollout across all branches. The central goal: a homogeneous network for all locations throughout Europe.

We are completely satisfied with Bechtle's implementation – both with the project and with the products. We were impressed by the centralised controllability, the clear interface and the simple troubleshooting. The new network makes our daily work much easier. We were particularly impressed by how quickly the rollout was completed. Our locations in Poland and Denmark were converted within just six days. Together with Bechtle, we are now continuing to develop our networks.

Tobias Dölder, Head of IT Systems, August Faller GmbH & Co. KG

Solution.

The new network was planned and implemented by Bechtle in a smart and well-thought-out manner. It started at the headquarters in Waldkirch, where Bechtle replaced all network components one-to-one, installed two powerful Cisco Meraki core switches and connected not only the administration building but also the entire production facility, including outdoor areas. Other locations that also received a network design based on Meraki products from Bechtle include the plants in Poland and Denmark, followed by Gebesee, Hungary, and Binzen on the Swiss border. Additional firewalls from Cisco Meraki secure the air quality sensors used in production there – to protect sensitive pharmaceutical packaging. Meraki cameras were also connected to monitor the outdoor area. Thanks to close coordination between Faller Packaging and Bechtle, the entire process took only six days at all locations – including installation and commissioning. By May 2025, almost 100 Meraki switches, over 150 access points, sensors and cameras had been installed in collaboration with Bechtle. All these network components are managed via a single, central web interface – without the need for an additional VPN connection.

Business benefits.

Uniform infrastructure: Increases transparency and simplifies management at all locations.
Smart monitoring: Ensures air quality, security and network stability via integrated sensors and cameras.
Flexibly expandable: Thanks to standardised components and centralised management via the Meraki Cloud.
Centralised control: All components provide a complete overview of the entire network.
High reliability: Thanks to sophisticated architecture, modern firewalls and cloud-based management.
Efficient collaboration: Bechtle guarantees individual planning, precise implementation and sustainable support.
Fast international rollouts: New locations can be up and running in just a few days.
Fast fault diagnosis: All data and devices can be viewed centrally.
Future-proof architecture: Integrates virtual firewalls and is prepared for new locations.