Arburg has agreed to acquire Stork Plastics Machinery B.V. (Stork IMM), a Netherlands-based manufacturer of injection moulding machines for packaging applications.
The purchase agreement was signed on 29 July by Arburg chief financial officer Steffen Kroner and chief technology officer Guido Frohnhaus, along with Philip Stibbe, shareholder of Stork IMM and founder of Stibbe Participaties B.V.
The acquisition comes as the injection moulding market faces changing conditions, including fluctuating demand, increased international competition and a greater focus on economies of scale.
Based in Hengelo, Stork IMM produces large, high-speed injection moulding machines designed for thin-wall packaging applications. Arburg said the acquisition will expand its portfolio to include machines with clamping forces above 5,000kN and support its activities in the global injection moulding market.
Established brands
“By purchasing Stork IMM, we are investing strategically in the future with a focused and long-term view,” said Volker Nilles, chief executive of Arburg.
He added that the deal would bring together two established brands in the injection moulding sector.
Stork IMM chief executive Eric Pans said the acquisition would support the company’s expansion through increased international sales and service capabilities, a broader product range, supply chain synergies and further development of internal processes.
Stibbe added: “In Arburg, we have found a highly complementary strategic partner that shares our family values, long-term perspective and commitment to European manufacturing.”
The acquisition is expected to be completed approximately two months after the signing of the purchase agreement.
Niles was appointed chief executive of Arburg at the start of the year. He has more than 30 years of leadership experience across mechanical and automotive engineering.
