KIEFEL creates unified packaging division for optimized performance

31 Jul 2018 --- Germany-based specialist for plastic film material processing machines KIEFEL GmbH has announced organizational changes in its packaging activities following several acquisitions and steep organic growth in recent years. KIEFEL aims to ensure a strong customer focus in the rigid plastic packaging market and to prepare for upcoming market opportunities.

Kiefel will group all its packaging activities into one KIEFEL Packaging Division. This includes the activities in Freilassing (Germany) as well as the recently acquired Mould & Matic (Austria) and Bosch-Sprang (the Netherlands). This new KIEFEL Packaging Division will operate with four specialized teams. Each team will follow a clear market and technology approach.

The Tray-Team will operate out of Freilassing (Germany) and will concentrate on the steel-rule technology as a base for tray-type products. For this technology, it will enlarge its competence and product-range, covering not only machines but also product development, automation and tools.

The Cup-Team will operate out of Micheldorf (Austria) and will focus on the tilting-/trim-in-place technology utilized to produce cup-type products. It will operate as a full-service and turnkey-partner with in-depth knowledge in machining, tooling and automation. The existing manufacturing facilities within the Packaging Division will continue to produce the respective components in unchanged quality and dedication.

The Bottle-Team is also based in Micheldorf and will specialize on the Injection-Stretch-Blow-Technology. With this technology, Kiefel offers complete platforms for the production of top quality bottle-type products.

On top, the KIEFEL Packaging Division will establish a Tech-Team operating out of Sprang-Capelle (the Netherlands). The Tech-Team will offer services independently of the applied technology. This will include assistance in the area of product development, R&D, material-research, product analysis and simulation.

Within each Team, Kiefel combines the extensive knowledge of all experts within the Packaging Division. Customers benefit from complete solutions handled by one team of experts. Following this collective approach, all activities will operate under one single name. Therefore the companies “Mould & Matic Solutions GmbH” and “Bosch Sprang BV” have been renamed to “KIEFEL Packaging GmbH” and “KIEFEL Packaging BV” respectively.

With Erik Hodenpijl, Erwin Wabnig and Jakob v. Wolff heading the division as well as Olaf Tanner (CEO) and Manuel Dickinger (CFO) as heads of the activities in Micheldorf, a team of experienced managers will lead the Kiefel Packaging Division into the future.

Thomas J. Halletz, CEO of Kiefel comments on the changes as follows:
“The Kiefel team has managed dynamic development in recent years within the rigid plastic packaging market. Now we are preparing our organization for the next level. I am convinced that our customers will appreciate our approach: a clear focus paired with our famous pioneer spirit.”