Join a tour at the PUQ Factory in the Netherlands, where the team built over 100,000 PUQ Presses for baristas and coffee shops worldwide. We looked behind the scenes at the production of all PUQ Press models and talked to the founder about his work on the new PUQ Navigator distribution tool.
TIMESTAMPS:
- First PUQ Press and 100.000 Units Made in 2023 [00:42]
- PUQ Factory Tour with Commercial Director [01:42]
- Evolution of PUQ Press Models (2011 to 2025) [05:24]
- PUQ Brand Update Explained [06:49]
- Testing PUQ Navigator at Ripsnorter in Rotterdam [07:50]
- Research & Development at PUQ with the Founder Laurens Pluimers [09:24]
The Story of PUQ Press
The story of PUQ Press began with Laurens, the founder, making the first series of PUQ Press devices in his parents’ barn. From those humble beginnings, the company has grown remarkably, producing between 20,000 and 25,000 PUQ Press machines each year. In August 2023, the company hit an impressive milestone: over 100,000 units sold globally.
According to Almar, the commercial director at PUQ for many years, this achievement highlights the company’s growth and innovation since Laurens started it all in 2011. The distinctive “banana shape” of the PUQ Press has become iconic in the coffee industry, and every model built since has stayed true to that design.
Touring the PUQ Factory
Almar guided us through the production area, which has expanded by about 2,000 square meters since our last visit. The factory is divided into several sections: pre-production, assembly lines for PUQ Press devices, testing, and packaging. They’ve also added a warehouse at the back of the production site to ensure quick and efficient operations.
During our tour, we learned that PUQ Press has two separate assembly lines – one for standalone models and another for integrated models designed to fit beneath grinders. This approach ensures faster production and better organization.
The packaging room, now located at the back of the facility, features natural light to create a more comfortable work environment. The company prides itself on doing most of its production in-house, allowing them to respond quickly to feedback and implement changes within weeks rather than months.
Evolution of PUQ Press Models
To better understand how PUQ Presses have evolved, we spoke with marketing manager Thomas, who walked us through the different generations of the machines. From the very first Gen 1 model that Laurens carried to cafes himself to the current Gen 6, PUQ has continuously refined and improved their designs.
The Gen 6 models feature updated designs to fit modern espresso bars and include the Q1 and Q2 models to cater to different barista needs. The Pro model, developed in response to feedback from the Australian market, features a convenient button to switch between different tamping pressures for milk beverages and black coffees.
Introducing PUQ Navigator
One of the most exciting new products we encountered during our visit was the PUQ Navigator, a revolutionary distribution tool. Unlike previous models, the Navigator focuses on coffee preparation rather than tamping. The introduction of the PUQ Navigator prompted the company to create a new category: PUQ Prep, which now exists alongside PUQ Press under the overarching “PUQ” brand.
This tool allows precise coffee distribution during the grinding process, saving time and enhancing consistency. Its compact design houses various technological components, including a battery, motor, controller board, touchscreen, and custom-made bearings – all designed and assembled in-house.
Testing in Real-Life Settings
To see the PUQ Navigator and PUQ Press Pro in action, we traveled to Rotterdam to meet the Dutch barista champion at his Ripsnorter espresso bar. He explained how the PUQ Navigator’s inline kit makes it easier to integrate the device into the bar workflow, providing a seamless experience for baristas looking to enhance their coffee preparation process.
A Vision for the Future
Back at the factory, we met Laurens in the R&D area where he shared his motivation for developing the PUQ Navigator. Having been called a “one-trick pony” for focusing only on tamping machines, Laurens sought to prove his versatility. The result? A cutting-edge device aimed at revolutionizing coffee distribution.
Laurens even assembled the first 500 Navigators himself to fine-tune the production process. With the continued success of the PUQ brand, we wouldn’t be surprised if the next milestone – 200,000 units sold – comes sooner rather than later.
