Kiefel GmbH, a supplier of plastics processing equipment headquartered in Freilassing, Germany, and part of the Brückner Group based in Siegsdorf, Germany, has announced the planned acquisition of thermoforming company Bosch Sprang B.V. (Sprang-Capelle, Netherlands). A purchase agreement, subject to approval, was signed last week.

Bosch Sprang is specialized in the development and manufacture of tilting molds used in the production of plastic cups. A global supplier to producers of thermoformed rigid packaging parts, the company offers product development, prototyping, sample production and production optimization services to customers and maintains a permanent service presence at customers' production facilities.

"This deal does not just bring together two of the technology and market world leaders but also two teams with an absolutely customer-centered approach and an eye to the future", said Kiefel CEO Thomas J. Halletz in a prepared statement. "The range of services supplied by Bosch Sprang also perfectly matches Kiefel's portfolio as a manufacturer of thermoforming machines, while enhancing our ability to serve the highly demanding tooling needs of the premium segment."

This takeover marks a further step in the growth strategy of the Brückner Group, which is designed to strengthen the position of its existing members by extending the range of products and services available.

Bosch Sprang management will remain under the purview of existing CEO Rob Smeulders and Thorsten Emge, currently Head of Central Engineering at Kiefel.

A manufacturer of machines used to process plastic film materials, Kiefel offers core expertise in forming and joining technology. Present in the United States, France, the Netherlands, Russia, China, Brazil Indonesia and India, and with sales partners in more than 60 countries, Kiefel serves customers in the automotive, medical technology, refrigeration and packaging industries.