Arburg has signed an agreement to acquire Dutch injection moulding machine manufacturer Stork IMM, expanding its capabilities in large-tonnage injection moulding and thin-wall packaging production.

The acquisition, signed on 29 July 2026, will broaden Arburg’s product portfolio while giving Stork IMM access to the German company’s international sales, service and manufacturing network.

The transaction is expected to be completed within approximately two months, subject to the completion of the acquisition process.

Expanding into Large-Tonnage Packaging Machines

Headquartered in Hengelo, the Netherlands, Stork IMM specializes in premium injection moulding systems designed for high-speed thin-wall packaging production.

The company’s portfolio includes machines with clamping forces exceeding 5,000 kN, serving manufacturers producing plastic packaging for food and consumer goods applications.

According to Arburg, the acquisition will immediately strengthen its presence in packaging machinery by adding technologies that complement its existing injection moulding portfolio.

Responding to Changing Market Conditions

Arburg said the investment comes as the global injection moulding industry experiences significant structural changes, including:

• Increased international competition
• Lower production volumes in some markets
• Greater demand for economies of scale
• Changing customer requirements

The company believes expanding its machinery portfolio will strengthen its long-term competitiveness within the global plastics processing industry.

Packaging Industry Becomes Strategic Growth Area

Thin-wall injection moulding has become an increasingly important manufacturing technology for packaging producers seeking higher productivity while reducing material consumption.

These machines are commonly used to manufacture:

• Food containers
• Dairy packaging
• Consumer goods packaging
• Thin-wall plastic tubs
• High-volume packaging components

Demand continues to grow as manufacturers pursue lightweight packaging and faster production cycles.

Combining Two Established Brands

Arburg said the acquisition brings together two long-established companies within the injection moulding sector.

According to the company, integrating Stork IMM will allow it to expand its offering while maintaining a long-term investment strategy focused on customer support and technological development.

For Stork IMM, the transaction is expected to provide access to:

• Global sales channels
• Expanded service capabilities
• Broader product offerings
• Purchasing synergies
• Supply chain efficiencies
• Further operational development

Strengthening Global Packaging Manufacturing

For the packaging machinery industry, the acquisition reflects ongoing consolidation among equipment manufacturers as companies seek to expand technology portfolios and strengthen international market positions.

As packaging producers continue investing in high-speed, large-tonnage and material-efficient injection moulding systems, machinery suppliers are increasingly focusing on expanding capabilities through both technology development and strategic acquisitions.

The addition of Stork IMM is expected to strengthen Arburg’s position in the growing market for thin-wall packaging production equipment, supporting manufacturers seeking higher productivity and greater manufacturing flexibility.

Last Updated on 03/08/2026 by Jota Machinery