“We are delighted with the steadily growing demand for our high-performance and energy-efficient extrusion blow molding machines for the packaging sector,” commented Dr. Olaf Weiland, CEO of Kautex Maschinenbau. “In the past, we mainly focused on large blow molding machines for the automotive segment. More recently, however, we have seen considerable parallel development of our packaging machine business. As demand here remains high, we are in urgent need of more production space. The plant expansion will allow us to increase our output even further, which will result in shorter lead times for our customers.” The company has financed the new assembly hall from its own resources.

About Kautex Maschinenbau
Eight decades of providing its customers with innovative products and services have turned Kautex Maschinenbau into one of the world's leading companies in extrusion blow molding technology. With customers that include major automobile manufacturers and suppliers, as well as companies working in the packaging industry. All of them have come to rely on the knowledge and experience of a brand that stands for both quality and reliability. With 510 employees in Germany and a further 170 around the world, the company expects an annual turnover of more than €140 million in 2017. In addition to its HQ in Bonn, the newly opened Customer Service Center in Berlin and regional offices in the USA, Russia, China, Italy, India and Mexico, Kautex Maschinenbau operates an extensive global network of service and distribution offices.

Alongside these developments, Kautex Maschinenbau has also introduced a new and unique solution for the integration of downstream processes using so-called IntelliGate modules, which has attracted global interest. "This solution enables our machines to be digitally networked to form a complete production line in accordance with the megatrend of Industry 4.0", adds Lichtenauer.

The intelligent Connext interface
The newly developed Connext interface plays an integral role in the IntelliGate integration system. It is used to integrate downstream processes such as quality control processes into the machines. Individual modules can be incorporated with machines in the KBB series by the Kautex experts and connected via the Connext interface using plug and play, thus providing Kautex customers with a complete integrated production process from one single source.

By developing Connext, the company from Bonn has created a standard solution that not only helps to ensure that all connected modules are supplied with compressed air and power, but also, and above all, guarantees a standardized data exchange. The solution gives the users flexibility to respond to changes in the production sequence, for example by allowing them to exchange the modules of existing Kautex machines. It also eliminates the need for additional power supply or compressed air connections. As Achim Trübner, the company's Team Leader for Software Development and R&D explains, "a Kautex machine with a Connext interface not only recognizes every module, but also the order of modules, even if changes are made to their arrangement".

The company's Team Leader for Marketing, Christian Kirchbaumer, underlines the fact that the IntelliGate modules are more than just a cosmetic addition to complement the machines' modern design: "We haven't adapted the individual downstream processes to suit the design of our machines so that they look even more attractive, but instead in order to clearly highlight the added value provided. The modules connected via the Connext interface save time and improve performance, thus enabling us to offer a real competitive advantage."

About Kautex Maschinenbau
Eight decades of providing its customers with innovative products and services have turned Kautex Maschinenbau into one of the world's leading companies in extrusion blow molding technology. With customers that include major automobile manufacturers and suppliers, as well as companies working in the packaging industry. All of them have come to rely on the knowledge and experience of a brand that stands for both quality and reliability. With 460 employees in Germany and a further 170 around the world, Kautex Maschinenbau GmbH currently has an annual turnover of €122 million. In addition to its HQ in Bonn, the newly opened Customer Service Center in Berlin and regional offices in the USA, Russia, China, Italy and India, Kautex Maschinenbau operates an extensive global network of service and distribution offices.

The IntelliGate modular system
The main component of the IntelliGate integration system is its modules, which are connected to the newly developed Connext interface. "This helps to make downstream processes, such as quality control processes, an integral part of the machine", explains Christian Kirchbaumer, Team Leader for Communication and Marketing at Kautex Maschinenbau. The individual modules can be coordinated on KBB blow molding machines by the Kautex experts and connected or exchanged using a “plug and play” interface.

Using all-electric machines and virtual training to increase efficiency
The all-electric KBB series, which has been in high demand since it was introduced three years ago, stands out due to its compact design, easy handling, low energy consumption and advanced quick-change systems, which facilitate the fast and efficient completion of product changes. One of the solutions provided by the series is the use of advanced extrusion blow molding heads, which significantly reduce the time needed for color changes. On top of this, the series was recently expanded with the addition of two variants for the production of blow-molded jerry cans.
Another highlight at the Kautex exhibition booth will be the live presentation of the company's latest generation of virtual machines. This tool enables users to simulate and train production processes for different types of machines and applications in real time.

A shuttle service to the main plant in Bonn
Given that the Interpack venue is located in close proximity to the company's main plant in the German city of Bonn, Kautex is offering guests the chance to use its individual shuttle service, which will take them directly from the trade fair to the Kautex factory. At the facility, visitors will be able to view a wide variety of different Kautex extrusion blow molding systems in different stages of assembly and enjoy many informative discussions with the Kautex experts.

About Kautex Maschinenbau
Eight decades of providing its customers with innovative products and services have turned Kautex Maschinenbau into one of the world's leading companies in extrusion blow molding technology. With customers that include major automobile manufacturers and suppliers, as well as companies working in the packaging industry. All of them have come to rely on the knowledge and experience of a brand that stands for both quality and reliability. With 460 employees in Germany and a further 170 around the world, Kautex Maschinenbau GmbH currently has an annual turnover of €122 million. In addition to its HQ in Bonn, the newly opened Customer Service Center in Berlin and regional offices in the USA, Russia, China, Italy and India, Kautex Maschinenbau operates an extensive global network of service and distribution offices.

Virtual machine and shuttle service to the shunde plant
Nor would the Kautex exhibition stand be complete without the new generation of virtual machines. With this considerably further-enhanced tool, production processes for various types of machine and application scenarios are simulated and practiced in real time. The virtual machine which is being exhibited will also from now on form part of the client training facilities at the Shunde site. Because Chinaplas is taking place in Guangzhou this year, Kautex will be providing a shuttle service from the trade exhibition to the nearby Kautex plant in Shunde. Various extrusion blow-molders from KCC to KBB can be viewed there at various stages of final assembly, with informative talks from many different experts.

Shunde Kautex has been manufacturing the all-electric KBB production series for the Chinese and South-Asian market since 2016 in a joint development programme with the German factory in Bonn. Machines of this type have set themselves apart with their ease of handling, low energy consumption and quick-change systems. A special feature of the KBB production series is the Intelligate integration system presented for the first time at the K 2016 trade fair. With this efficiency-enhancing industry 4.0 application, Kautex machines can be developed into a self-contained manufacturing plant.

About Kautex Maschinenbau
Eight decades of providing its customers with innovative products and services have turned Kautex Maschinenbau into one of the world's leading companies in extrusion blow molding technology. With customers that include major automobile manufacturers and suppliers, as well as companies working in the packaging industry. All of them have come to rely on the knowledge and experience of a brand that stands for both quality and reliability. With 460 employees in Germany and a further 170 around the world, Kautex Maschinenbau GmbH currently has an annual turnover of €122 million. In addition to its HQ in Bonn, the newly opened Customer Service Center in Berlin and regional offices in the USA, Russia, China, Italy and India, Kautex Maschinenbau operates an extensive global network of service and distribution offices.

Focusing on the customer
"Kautex Maschinenbau is delighted to welcome yet another highly qualified executive to its team in the form of Geoffrey Chan", states the company CEO Dr. Olaf Weiland. "We have known him for many years as an extremely committed individual and team player. He is the perfect addition to the four members of our current management team in China. Our cooperation with our Chinese customers has developed extremely well in recent years and we have also identified further opportunities for growth." According to Weiland, the expansion of the company's customer services is a particularly important factor: "Kautex Maschinenbau has also taken on the role of the technological and quality leader in the field of extrusion blow molding technology in the Chinese market. Close cooperation with our Chinese customers is the key to securing this role and further expanding our business activities. Strengthening our subsidiaries in Shunde and Shanghai helps us to further develop this cooperation. We are simultaneously working on achieving a closer exchange between the Chinese, German and other members of our international management team in order to consistently orient the further development of our company as a whole toward the needs and requirements of our customers."

Shunde Kautex extends its range of products and services
Shunde Kautex, located in the Guangdong region in southern China, is a 100% subsidiary of the company Kautex Maschinenbau GmbH and was founded in 1995. It currently employs 130 members of staff. Following on from the presentation of a third-generation machine in the KCC series by Kautex Maschinenbau for the first time at the Chinaplas 2016 trade show, the Shunde factory is now converting its production activities from the second to the third generation of machines. Since 2016, the final assembly and commissioning of machines from the all-electric KBB series has also been made in Shunde for the Chinese and Southeast Asian market in close cooperation with our main plant in Bonn, Germany . At this year's Chinaplas event, the company plans to showcase a new KCC10 MK3 packaging machine.

About Kautex Maschinenbau
Eight decades, shaped by innovative strength and services for its customers, has made Kautex Maschinenbau a globally leading provider of extrusion blow molding technology today. The company’s international customers include automobile firms and suppliers, as well as companies from the packaging industry. They all rely on the expertise of a brand that represents quality and reliability. With 470 employees in Germany and a further 160 employees worldwide, the company generated an annual turnover of over 122 million euros in 2016. Besides its headquarters in Bonn, the newly opened Customer Service Center in Berlin and regional offices in the USA, Russia, China, Italy and India, Kautex Maschinenbau maintains a dense global network of service and distribution offices.

Along with this, around 80 modern office workplaces are also being built. The ground breaking ceremony took place on February 15th in the presence of members of staff, Bonn’s mayor Ashok Sridharan and the district mayor Guido Déus.
Kautex CEO Dr. Olaf Weiland hopes that the plant expansion will make production even more efficient and further reduce lead times for customers: “As well as improving the long-term performance and efficiency of our machines, we want to make the same improvements to our production.”

Ideal set-up of Bonn location
Thanks to a successful model lineup and positive market development, the specialist in extrusion blow molding machines finished fiscal 2016 on a high with record sales of EUR 122 million. Weiland sees the sector heading in a positive direction, hence the focus on the company’s Bonn HQ. “Bonn is located in the heart of one of the world’s most important centers for plastics manufacturing. The high density of universities and the presence of specialist research institutes offer excellent development opportunities for our innovation-driven sector,” comments Weiland on the city where the company was founded over 80 years ago. Kautex Maschinenbau has its own technical center in Bonn which is itself one of the world’s largest research and development institutes for plastics machinery.

About Kautex Maschinenbau
Eight decades of providing its customers with innovative products and services have turned Kautex Maschinenbau into one of the world's leading companies in extrusion blow molding technology. With customers that include major automobile manufacturers and suppliers, as well as companies working in the packaging industry. All of them have come to rely on the knowledge and experience of a brand that stands for both quality and reliability. With 460 employees in Germany and a further 170 around the world, Kautex Maschinenbau GmbH currently has an annual turnover of €122 million. In addition to its HQ in Bonn and regional offices in the USA, Russia, China, Italy and India, Kautex operates an extensive network of service and sales offices around the world.

The company is now in the process of expanding its Bonn production location to meet rising demand. From Q3 2017, a new 3,900 m2 assembly hall will primarily be dedicated to assembling KBB packaging machines and KSB suction blow molding machines. Around 80 new office workstations are also being created.

The company is also pressing ahead with the localisation of its services. This plan includes the establishment of a Russian limited liability company in Moscow and a spare parts warehouse in St. Petersburg. This will optimise the supply processes for the Russian market from spring 2017 and ensure that spare parts can be offered in the national currency. All inquiries will be dealt with by Russian speakers.

About Kautex Maschinenbau
Eight decades of providing its customers with innovative products and services have turned Kautex Maschinenbau into one of the world's leading companies in extrusion blow molding technology. With customers that include major automobile manufacturers and suppliers, as well as companies working in the packaging industry. All of them have come to rely on the knowledge and experience of a brand that stands for both quality and reliability. With 460 employees in Germany and a further 170 around the world, Kautex Maschinenbau GmbH currently has an annual turnover of €110 million. In addition to its HQ in Bonn and regional offices in the USA, Russia, China, Italy and India, Kautex operates an extensive network of service and sales offices around the world.