Press release submitted on behalf of Arburg.
Germany’s Arburg GmbH + Co. KG acquired Stork Plastics Machinery B.V. (Stork IMM), based in Hengelo, Netherlands, to expand its portfolio in large presses and packaging machines. CFO Steffen Kroner and CTO Guido Frohnhaus signed the purchase agreement on behalf of ARBURG, while Philip Stibbe, shareholder of Stork IMM and founder of Stibbe Participaties, signed on behalf of Stibbe Participaties B.V. With this step, both companies are strengthening their position in the global market for plastic injection molding machines.
The acquisition is taking place against the background of a changing injection molding market, in which volatile developments, lower volumes, increasing international competition and economies of scale are playing an increasingly important role.
Two strong brands united
“By purchasing Stork IMM, we are investing strategically in the future with a focused and long-term view”, says Dr Volker Nilles, CEO of ARBURG, “and in this way want to strengthen ARBURG’s position in the global injection molding market. With this acquisition, two strong brands that have been well known on the market for many decades are now coming together: a clear win-win situation for everyone, and especially for customers.” With this strategic investment, ARBURG is sending a clear signal to the global market: “We are here for you, in both good and challenging times!”
Perfect Complement to the ARBURG Portfolio
Stork IMM is known in the premium segment for its large, high-speed injection molding machines for thin-wall packaging. “The Stork machines are therefore ideally suited to extending the ARBURG portfolio very quickly – but with a lasting and long-term impact – and strategically to include machines with a clamping force in excess of 5,000 kN and for the packaging industry“, says Nilles.
Assuring the Future for Stork IMM
Eric Pans, CEO at Stork IMM, adds, “The acquisition by ARBURG will help to strengthen and expand Stork’s business activities, among other things through international sales and service capacities, a broader product range, synergies in purchasing and supply chain, as well as further professionalization of processes.“ Philip Stibbe commented, “In ARBURG we have found a highly complementary strategic partner who shares our family values, long-term perspective and commitment to European manufacturing. We are convinced that this combination offers an excellent foundation for the continued development and long-term success of Stork IMM.”
The acquisition is expected to be completed in around two months.
For more information, visit www.arburg.com.