Kiefel acquires thermoforming tools specialist Bosch Sprang

Thermoforming machinery maker Kiefel, part of the Brückner Group based in Siegsdorf, Germany, intends to acquire a 100% share in Bosch Sprang.located in Sprang-Capelle in the Netherlands. Both parties signed a purchase agreement last week, which is among others still subject to the approval of the cartel authorities.

The main focus of Bosch Sprang, a specialist in the field of thermoforming technology, lies in the development and manufacture of tilting moulds for use in the production of plastic cups; an area in which the company is a world leader. Its team of some 100 employees has made a considerable contribution to the current state of technology.

Bosch Sprang is a worldwide established supplier to producers of thermoformed rigid packaging parts. The company says its approach to customer service, which embraces everything from product development, prototyping, sample production and production optimisation to a permanent service presence at customers' production facilities, is outstanding.

"This deal does not just bring together two of the technology and market world leaders but also two teams with an absolutely customer-centred approach and an eye to the future,” said Kiefel's CEO Thomas J. Halletz. "The range of services supplied by Bosch Sprang also perfectly matches Kiefel's portfolio as a manufacturer of thermoforming machines, while enhancing our ability to serve the highly demanding tooling needs of the premium segment.”

This takeover marks a further step in the growth strategy of the Brückner Group, which is designed to strengthen the position of its existing members by extending the range of products and services available.

The company management of Bosch Sprang will be in the hands of the existing CEO Rob Smeulders and of Thorsten Emge, who is presently the Head of Central Engineering at Kiefel.