Constantia Flexibles, a Vienna-based global provider of flexible packaging, has modernized its corporate network to support digital transformation and international expansion. The company adopted an SD-WAN architecture from HPE Aruba, implemented by Deutsche Telekom, to connect all its sites worldwide.
The new network enables automatic prioritization and stability for critical business processes. Security solutions have been integrated to protect data and allow seamless cloud service and mobile workspace integration. Deutsche Telekom manages the global operation, monitoring, and ongoing development of the network. This approach allows Constantia Flexibles to add new locations quickly and cost-effectively as it grows.
Constantia Flexibles produces packaging using films, aluminum, and paper for sectors including beverages, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals. With around 8,800 employees at 37 sites in 18 countries, the company’s previous infrastructure involved multiple providers and complex contracts. Its earlier use of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology resulted in high costs due to rigid data transmission routes. The lack of uniformity also made management difficult and limited flexibility for cloud or mobile workspace integration.
The updated solution replaces much of the MPLS system with a hybrid SD-WAN that includes redundant internet and MPLS connections based on HPE Aruba technology and Secure Service Edge (SSE). This setup allows fast, secure data communication and improved cloud integration. The SD-WAN applies an intelligent software layer over existing physical connections to route data efficiently according to real-time conditions.
Karl Neumann, SVP Group IT at Constantia Flexibles, said: “The cloud is a key enabler of Constantia Flexibles’ digital transformation and long-term competitiveness. To support this shift, we require a secure and highly available network infrastructure, especially for our sensitive production and supply process. SD-WAN provides this: strong performance, built-in failover, and the flexibility to scale as our business grows.”
Klaus Werner, Director Business Customers at Telekom Deutschland added: “Every transformation is unique. With a customized concept for a secure corporate network and managed services for operation, monitoring, and ongoing development, we enable companies to fully focus on innovation and growth.”
The transition from MPLS to SD-WAN has reduced operating costs while increasing flexibility. Critical sites maintain MPLS alongside new internet connections; other locations are connected via at least two high-performance internet lines. Traditional security measures like on-site firewalls have been supplemented with SSE solutions across the SD-WAN infrastructure to create a secure SASE architecture suitable for remote work environments.
Deutsche Telekom continues to oversee operations while supporting Constantia Flexibles’ expansion through scalable ICT infrastructure.
