Engagement with impact

Whether at the local football club, the volunteer fire brigade, or the kindergarten, the name PACO (Paul GmbH & Co. KG) can be found throughout Steinau and the surrounding area. For decades, the family-owned company has been committed to the community far beyond its role as an employer, actively helping to shape social life in the region.

For more than 70 years, PACO has been closely connected to the Bergwinkel region. With its headquarters in Steinau and additional locations in Schlüchtern and Herolz, the company is one of the area’s key employers. Around 200 people work at the Steinau site alone for the specialist in sustainable filtration solutions.

For PACO, however, responsibility does not end at the factory gate. “This philosophy stems from the strong connection to the region that has been passed down through generations,” explains CEO Garvin Ruppel. The family began supporting local initiatives many years ago, a tradition that continues to this day.

The wide range of the company’s commitment becomes clear when looking at the projects it supports. As the main sponsor of FV Steinau, PACO plays a significant role in local football. The company also provides financial support to fire departments, daycare centers, and senior care initiatives. Cultural events such as the Steinauvision Song Contest likewise benefit from PACO’s sponsorship. In addition, the company supports schools and clubs throughout the region, for example through grants for educational projects or equipment for sports teams.

For local organizations, this support often means far more than financial relief. It creates opportunities and enables projects that might otherwise be difficult to realize. Particularly in rural areas, this close cooperation between businesses and volunteer organizations is of vital importance.

The significance of this support recently became evident during a photo shoot at the FV Steinau grounds, where players and sponsors came together. Managing Director Garvin Ruppel emphasized the importance of promoting youth development and team spirit, both of which are deeply rooted in the company’s philosophy. This year alone, PACO sponsored 200 new football jerseys. Since children grow quickly and typically require new kits every two years, particular attention was paid to quality and to ensuring that sport remains accessible to everyone.

FV Steinau currently has around 550 members, and the number of active children has doubled since 2016. The club is especially grateful for the ongoing dedication and commitment of its parents. A key priority for the club is the integration of children with migrant backgrounds and providing them with opportunities to participate and develop.

These same principles are shared by PACO, which intends to support the club as a long-term sponsor. After all, sport and industry have much in common, including values such as teamwork, precision, and perseverance. Perseverance was also required from the youngest footballers during the photo shoot as they waited for the perfect drone shot in their new jerseys. Yet under bright sunshine and equipped with brand-new kits, the task ultimately proved to be an easy one.

Photo opportunity at FV Steinau: PACO CEO Garvin Ruppel (right) made a point of attending the presentation and handover of the club’s new jerseys at the FV Steinau football grounds.

Responsibility as Part of Our Corporate Culture

In 2025, PACO supported around 20 local initiatives with a total contribution of €14,000. The company deliberately spreads its support across a wide range of projects to benefit as many areas of community life as possible. This demonstrates that PACO sees itself not only as an economic driver, but also as an integral part of the local community.

The company exemplifies how business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand, and how meaningful local engagement can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Text & Photo: Alexandra Lotz