Expansion for the future

Press release

Deutsch | Pressemitteilung

Arburg acquires Stork IMM

Strategic expansion: Arburg’s portfolio grows in the large-scale and packaging machinery sectors
A perfect fit: Combination of two strong brands
A clear win-win situation: Both the company and its customers stand to benefit

Lossburg, 30 July 2026

A historic moment: On 29 July 2026, CFO Steffen Kroner and CTO Guido Frohnhaus signed the purchase agreement on behalf of Arburg, while Philip Stibbe, shareholder of Stork IMM, signed on behalf of Stibbe Participaties B.V. Under the agreement, Arburg will acquire Stork Plastics Machinery B.V. (Stork IMM), based in Hengelo, the Netherlands, from Stibbe Participaties B.V. With this step, both companies are strengthening their position in the global market for plastic injection moulding machines.

The transaction takes place against the backdrop of a changing injection moulding market, in which volatile developments, lower volumes, increasing international competition and economies of scale are playing an increasingly important role.

Two strong brands united

“With the acquisition of Stork IMM, we are making a strategic, focused and long-term investment in the future”, emphasises Dr Volker Nilles, CEO of Arburg, “and aim to strengthen Arburg’s position in the global injection moulding market”. This transaction brings together two strong brands that have been well known in the market for many decades: a clear win-win situation for everyone, and especially for our customers”. With this strategic investment, Arburg is sending a clear signal to the global market: “We are here – in good times and in challenging times alike!”

A perfect addition to the Arburg portfolio

Stork IMM is renowned in the premium segment for its large, high-speed top-tier injection moulding machines for thin-walled packaging. “The company’s machines are therefore ideally suited to strategically expanding Arburg’s portfolio very quickly – yet with a high level of sustainability and long-term impact – to include machines with a clamping force range exceeding 5,000 kN and those designed for the packaging industry”, said Nilles.

Securing the future for Stork IMM

Eric Pans, CEO of Stork IMM, added: “The takeover by Arburg will help to strengthen and expand Stork’s business activities, through international sales and service capabilities, a broader product portfolio, synergies in procurement and the supply chain, and the further professionalisation of processes”.

Philip Stibbe, founder of Stibbe Participaties, commented: “In Arburg we have found a highly complementary strategic partner who shares our family values, long-term perspective and commitment to European manufacturing. We are convinced that this combination offers an excellent foundation for the continued development and long-term success of Stork IMM.”

Finalisation in September

The signing of the purchase agreement on 29 July 2026 marks the first official step. The transaction is expected to be completed in around two months.

About Arburg

Founded in 1923, this German family-owned company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of injection moulding machines. The Arburg family also includes AMKmotion, a manufacturer of electric drive systems.

Arburg’s portfolio for plastics processing comprises Allrounder injection moulding machines, robotic systems and customer- and industry-specific turnkey solutions. It also includes digital products and services. Within the plastics industry, Arburg is a pioneer in the areas of energy and production efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability. Arburg machines are used to manufacture plastic products for industries such as Mobility, Packaging, Electronics, Medical, Construction and Equipment engineering, as well as Leisure.

The company’s headquarters are in Lossburg, Germany. Furthermore, Arburg has its own organisations in 27 countries at 37 locations and, together with its distribution partners, is represented in over 100 countries. Of the total workforce of around 3,400 employees, approximately 2,800 are based in Germany and around 600 works in Arburg’s organisations worldwide.

About Stork

Stork Plastics Machinery B.V. (Stork IMM), based in Hengelo, the Netherlands, is a specialist manufacturer of high-performance injection moulding machines for demanding packaging applications. The company has a long-standing heritage in plastics machinery and is particularly known for large, fast cycling machines used in thin-walled packaging production.

Stork IMM’s portfolio includes injection moulding machines for applications such as pails, pots, crates, food packaging, and other high-output packaging products. The company focuses on machine performance, reliability, energy efficiency and long service life, supported by strong engineering know-how and application expertise.

In addition to new machine sales, Stork IMM supports its installed base through service, spare parts, retrofit and overhaul activities. Its machines are used by packaging manufacturers across Europe and selected international markets, where high productivity, short cycle times and robust machine design are key requirements.

About Stibbe Participaties B.V.

Stibbe Participaties B.V. is a privately owned Dutch family office specialising in buy-and-build strategies for industrial manufacturing businesses worldwide. Founded in 1990 by Philip Stibbe, the firm focuses on acquiring and developing niche industrial companies with strong technological capabilities and long-term growth potential. Over more than three decades, Stibbe Participaties has built a successful track record of transforming and expanding industrial businesses through a hands-on ownership approach, operational expertise and long-term capital commitment.

The firm invests exclusively with its own capital and works closely with management teams to support strategic growth, operational improvement and international expansion. Its portfolio companies have been active across a broad range of industrial sectors, including Food Processing, Pharmaceuticals, Specialty Chemicals, Process Technology, Cooling and Heating Systems, Environmental Technologies and Industrial Machinery.