Mold maker Dollins Tool Inc. will be able to offer a full range of thin-wall packaging services under new ownership.
Dollins was acquired by Mold & Robotics Group of Conthey, Switzerland, Feb. 6. Dollins was strictly an injection mold toolmaker, but now offers design, tool manufacturing and automation services in one-stop shopping under M&R.
"We offer the full package," Dollins President Michael Klestinec said in a phone interview.
In M&R Group, Dollins joins Swiss toolmaker and automation supplier Müller and CBW Automation of Fort Collins, Colo.
"By joining Mold & Robotics Group, we will be part of an international company with technological leadership in both molds and automation," Klestinec claimed.
Dollins, founded in 1952 by Vince Dollins, has specialized in high-speed, multi-cavity packaging injection molds. Müller, whose full name is H. Müller-Fabrique de Moules SA, was founded in 1959 and has particular expertise in in-mold labelling. Both companies were pioneers in their field.
"Benefits for our customers will include improved responsiveness granted by our extensive presence in America and Europe as well as an extended product and service offering," noted Udo Gröber, CEO of Müller and M&R Group, in a news release.
With growth of thin-wall packaging in food and non-food applications, demand is rising for superior product design, tooling and automation, the two companies said. Customer supply chains are becoming more global and machinery suppliers to the market are consolidating. Robotics and injection mold manufacturers are spreading their operations across multiple continents to work closely with customers and speed up the product development cycle.
"As we carefully bring the companies together we will always focus on on-time deliveries and maintaining the high quality level that our customers expect," Gröber said.
M&R Group bought Dollins from the Klestinec family. Michael Klestinec will continue with the business.
Klestinec said Dollins' previous alliance formed in 2013 with Swiss mold maker Kebo AG was recently dissolved.