Krones acquires packaging machinery maker Kosme

Krones of Germany has acquired Kosme, an Italian supplier of blow moulding and filling machinery for the food and beverage industry, for an undisclosed sum.

The move sees Krones taking complete control of Roverbella-based Kosme, which it bought a controlling stake in six years ago.

Krones said that Kosme will continue trading as a separate entity. Going forward, it will target independent, private bottlers and small to medium manufacturers, while Krones will focus on global groups and larger food conglomerates. However, the two firms will share technological expertise.

“When we bought into Kosme we knew they produced excellent labellers and they had started producing some end of line and blow moulding,” said Hans-Jurgen Thaus, Krones CEO.

Thaus added that over the past six years Kosme has become more competitive in the packaging market as a result of developing machines using Krones technology.

Kosme operates five manufacturing plants at Roverbella, where it produces stretch blow moulding machinery as well as filling, capping, labelling and conveying equipment. The firm also has one overseas subsidiary at Burton-On-Trent in the UK.

Krones, which is headquartered in Neutraubling, Germany, produces complete bottle filling and handling installations for the beverage industry.

Krones sales in 2008 totalled €2.38bn, a 10.5% increase on the previous year. However, in March this year the company warned it would face tough market conditions this year as customers are increasingly reluctant to invest in the current economic climate.