Our long history in media production is the foundation for shaping the future.”
Frank Bayerl
CEO | Julius Fröbus GmbH
Founded in 1873 as a type foundry, Fröbus is today regarded as the oldest media production company in Cologne. Today, Fröbus positions itself as a modern enterprise spanning the entire spectrum from analogue to virtual media production. Within its core fields – media content, media production, design, postproduction, and photography – Fröbus has consistently been among the first to adopt relevant technological innovations. This journey has led from hot metal typesetting to computer typesetting, from stone lithography to desktop publishing, from analogue to digital, and from digital to virtual – ultimately evolving from 2D to 3D.
For almost 125 years, the company was based on Moltkestraße in Cologne’s Belgian Quarter. Today, Fröbus is located on the premises of the former Carlswerk in Cologne-Mülheim. At its headquarters, Fröbus operates its established division for modern media production, a dedicated CGI production unit, and a studio specializing in digital and virtual imaging. The Fröbus group is currently represented in Cologne and Jena. Additional production facilities are located in Heidelberg, Rostock, and Gotha.
Among the most important clients over the past 150 years have been – and in some cases continue to be – publishing houses such as Greven, Taschen, DuMont, and Gruner + Jahr; catalog brands including Manufaktum, Berge & Meer, and ZEG; as well as media titles such as Marie Claire, Prisma, Petra, and Impulse. Industrial companies have also been part of Fröbus’ portfolio, including Pfeifer & Langen, Bayer, and the Cologne-based brand 4711. In addition, retail clients such as Kaufhof, Metro, Lekkerland, and Handelshof, as well as telecommunications companies such as Deutsche Telekom, are among the references. Fröbus has always been a trusted partner to major advertising agencies – not only in Cologne, but far beyond the Rhineland region.
While we operate nationwide, Cologne remains our business home. It is where Fröbus was founded and where the company has grown and evolved over generations.”
Our perspective on technological innovation allows us to identify and leverage new opportunities at an early stage. This strength has grown from decades of experience adapting to and mastering radical technological change.”
Around ten years ago, the company expanded its activities to include the digitization of cultural heritage. The focus lies on 3D digitization, visualization, and reproduction. In this field, we combine our established expertise in 3D modeling, photography and photogrammetry, and media IT into an integrated workflow. One of our most valued cultural heritage projects was the 3D digitization and simultaneous reproduction of the eight Cologne City Hall Prophets. The precise 1:1 replicas produced by Fröbus and meticulously hand-painted are now installed at their original location in Cologne City Hall, while the originals are safely preserved at the Museum Schnütgen. Currently, Fröbus is digitizing the extensive coin collection as well as additional historic collections at Friedenstein Castle and the museums in Gotha, Thuringia. This initiative is regarded as one of the largest digitization projects in Europe.
Are You Planning Your Next Media Production Project?
Seeking a media production partner who anticipates your needs and drives innovation? We look forward to taking on new challenges – and to an initial, no-obligation discussion with you.
