Sipa SpA has acquired the injection-stretch-blow molding (ISBM) equipment business of Automa SpA. No transaction price was disclosed in the announcement by Sipa which, like Automa, is based in Italy.
Sipa already makes ISBM machines for producing PET containers, but the addition of the Automa technology expands its capabilities.
“Automa ISBM machines are designed for production of containers in smaller lots than Sipa's existing units, with features that enable quick change-overs between different product configurations,” Sipa said in a news release.
Sipa said other advantages of the Automa machines are their compact lay-outs and high energy efficiency.
The company described the acquisition as “an important strategic move”. It allows Sipa to extend its existing offering in single-stage ISBM systems and it strengthens its position in the market for blow molding equipment producing specialty products, such as containers for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, and spirits.
“We pride ourselves on being a strong and reliable partner with all our customers, and we are extremely happy to be able to add Automa customers to our number,” said Enrico Gribaudo, general manager of Sipa. “We are now gearing up our operations to ensure that they receive the highest levels of service and support for their PET bottle processing equipment.”
He said there are synergies between Sipa's and Automa's ISBM businesses which Sipa will target. The three priority areas are packaging development, R&D in the ISBM process and containers, and technical support.
Sipa has manufacturing facilities in Sala Baganza and Vittorio Veneto in Italy, Hangzhou in China, San Luis Potosi in Mexico and Timisoara in Romania. It also has 18 branch offices and 23 technical assistance centers around the world.
As well as blow molding machinery, Sipa makes injection and blowing molds for PET machines and filling lines, and provides preform and bottle design services. The company also is working with Athena Automation Ltd. on a line of automated PET preform injection presses and blow molders.
Sipa is based in Vittorio Veneto, Italy. Sipa North America Inc. is in Atlanta. Automa is based in Bologna, Italy.