(Rödermark, Germany) from MBB Industries AG (Berlin). As its name implies, Zeppelin makes silos used at processing facilities to store plastics, while Henschel’s expertise lies in the manufacture of conveying systems for bulk solids (foods, pharmaceuticals, and PVC), as well as mixers for PVC and related machinery. According to both firms the only overlap in product portfolios is in PVC processing equipment.

Both are large companies in this industry segment. Zeppelin in 2008 generated €240 million in sales and employs 670 in its Zeppelin Industry Division. Reimelt Henschel had 2008 sales of €104 million with its 560 employees. “This acquisition opens totally new perspectives to Zeppelin— and this just in our core competence field of bulk solids handling,” says Peter Gerstmann, CEO of Zeppelin Silos & Systems GmbH.  —[email protected]