As reported in October following the initial announcement at the Fakuma trade show, injection molding machine manufacturer Wittmann Battenfeld (Kottingbrunn, Austria) intends to build a sales/service/testing center for its German customers in Meinerzhagen, Germany, the former home of the company's large press manufacturing plant. The company was acquired in April 2008 by auxiliary equipment, temperature control, and robotics manufacturer Wittmann (Vienna, Austria). An earlier owner, SMS, has decided to close or sell the site it owns in Meinerzhgen, prompting Wittmann Battenfeld's decision to open the new offices.

On Nov. 14, work on the construction of the new euro 5.5 million building complex for the German subsidiary began, including a ceremonial groundbreaking by Klaus Ehlig (managing director, Wittmann Battenfeld's German subsidiary), Hans Hunsicker (sales manager at Wittmann Battenfeld Germany), Werner Wittmann (founder and owner of the parent firm), Stephan Theiß, Sebastian Ernst (both from Freyler Industriebau GmbH, the local contractor), and Gerhard Schriever (local building supervisory board). The new offices are to be open by July 2009.

Speaking at the Fakuma trade show last October, the company's leadership said it would re-enter the large press market, though in the future such machines will be made at the Austrian headquarters.—[email protected]