Celebrating its anniversary in style

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"I'm proud of what Hagen Deutschland has now become in the German market," said Rolf Hagen jr. with some pride as he welcomed guests to the Esperantohalle in Fulda. He was representing the family that established and runs the international company, which is based in Canada. In his address he touched on the work currently taking place to develop new segments and completely overhaul the dog and cat ranges. He also stressed, however, that the company would remain a family firm, as it was only in this form that it could operate flexibly. Rolf Hagen jr. underlined the company's philosophy of integrity, partnership and honesty. "We want to learn to understand modern pet owners better and make pet owning increasingly easy for them," said the company's second-generation president. The celebration was organised to mark 50 years of Hagen Deutschland. The company was established in 1959 under the name "Weltweit" ("Worldwide"). "It was a delicate and innocent plant that set out to conquer and lead the German pet supplies market," said managing director Jörg Marci in his address. Rolf C. Hagen sr., who "believed in the emerging German market", had played a significant role in the development process. Jörg Marci described the last ten years as the hardest for all Germans in the post-war period; but every recession also offered an opportunity which it was important to seize. Hagen Deutschland had seized many opportunities in the past, and as a result the company was now a tree, a sturdy North German oak, which could withstand the harsh climate and would not be uprooted. Jörg Marci expressly thanked his predecessor Jonny Schlichting, who ran Hagen Deutschland for 41 years. Show extravaganza The guests were taken on a journey in time through 50 years of Hagen Deutschland. Following a festive reception in the large atrium, with acrobats and artistes in the guise of mythical creatures, the guests moved into the main hall to the accompaniment of Japanese drummers on the stage. After the speeches by Rolf Hagen jr. and Jörg Marci, and dinner, the evening got under way with a presentation taking the four elements of earth, air, fire and water as its theme. Four extraordinary acrobatic performances reflecting these elements unfolded against a backdrop of film clips dedicated to the four forces of nature, which were projected onto three large screens. Suitable music accompanied the presentation, and logos of the various…