BOBSTannounced that it has acquired 70% of the equity of Momo Duke Robotics in Italy. Provide services. Duke Robotics' current management team will remain in place.
The strategic agreement, which was completed on April 28, 2023, is part of BOBST's vision for the future industry of the packaging world, where the entire packaging production line will be interconnected and more automated.
"In an era where processors are facing higher-than-ever demands due to booming global demand, especially in the e-commerce market, while facing the challenge of manpower shortage, automation has never been more important to our customers. So important. Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO of Bobst Group, said, “Duke Robotics has a 20-year leadership in developing robotic systems for the most complex processing machines, and we are very happy to share what we have achieved. "
The synergy between the two companies will help develop new solutions and approaches to meet the current and future needs of BOBST customers. With this acquisition, BOBST is confident of further accelerating its leadership in the printing and finishing sector.
In addition, after the management change of CITO Group, BOBST increased its shareholding in CITO Group, which is the global market leader in indentation technology, to 90%. Previously, CITO director Jürgen Mariën sold his remaining shares to Bobst upon retirement.
BOBST acquired for the first time in 2020 a 51% stake in CITO Group, known for its expertise in paper, cardboard and corrugated board and for its wide range of components for the converting and die-making industries, CITO Unique consumables and services are now fully part of the BOBST product portfolio.
CITO will continue to operate independently and will remain led by members of its current management team. Oliver Kellermann, Director of Sales and R&D who has worked for CITO for a long time, was appointed as co-director together with current co-director Thomas Gerner. They will continue to manage and oversee CITO's daily operations together with technical director René Seick.
“The change in ownership was completely seamless and did not disrupt the way CITO operates, nor does it affect its high standards of quality, stability and service,” said Alex Volery, Director of Bobst Tools. For our customers, this enhanced cooperation is very exciting and means that two leading suppliers in the packaging and tooling industries will join forces. This allows for a deeper cooperation between our two research and development departments to jointly develop Innovative products will ultimately bring more value to our customers. I look forward to more cooperation results between the two parties."