Stretch blow molding and filling-line equipment maker Krones, Neutraubling, Germany, has acquired a 75% share of the Kosme Group, Sollenau, Austria. Krones made the move to better reach what it calls the “just-enough” stretch blow molding and filling-line market.

“Just enough” refers to customers who do not need high-end lines from Krones, but rather smaller-scale systems for particular applications or markets. Such customers are common in regions with emerging growth, such as Central and Eastern Europe, China, and the Middle East, says the firm. Krones and Kosme began a non-financial cooperation last April, where each firm referred the other depending on customer requirements. Kosme makes three types of straight-line stretch blow molding machines, with outputs for 1.5-L bottles ranging from 3000 to 6000 bottles/h, well below the 20,000-plus bph of Krones’ rotary machines.

Kosme’s Austrian branch is responsible for straight-line stretch blow molding machine manufacture, while an Italian division manufactures filling systems and bottle-handling equipment, plus labeling and palletizing machinery.