Bonn, June 18, 2025 – With the re-introduction of the KEB Series, Kautex Maschinenbau is taking its legacy KEB platform into a new era, now as KEB GREY. Designed as a flexible, compact, and energy-efficient solution for the extrusion blow molding of complex parts and packaging, the GREY Series is set to meet the evolving needs of the plastics industry — sustainably and efficiently.

“Kautex has a 90-year legacy and a strong global reputation in the plastics industry. Our origin is the foundation for our future – Future needs Origins. I look forward to working with the team to develop new technologies and drive our growth strategy forward. The KEB GREY is the first visible step in this direction”, says Eike Wedell, CEO of Kautex Maschinenbau System GmbH.

A trusted name, redefined

Since the first KEB machines were installed, more than 3,500 systems have been put into operation worldwide. Known for their robust design and adaptability, KEB machines have supported manufacturers in delivering technical hollow parts and complex packaging, from multilayer containers to jerry cans with integrated handles.

“The relaunch of the KEB series, now called KEB GREY, combines everything that made the original great — plus everything our customers need today,” says Guido Langenkamp, Product Portfolio Manager at Kautex Maschinenbau. “The KEB has always been engineered around flexibility, uptime, and ease of use.” The relaunch is not just a technological step forward — it also embodies Kautex’s belief that "Future needs Origins." Building on 90 years of engineering excellence, KEB GREY bridges tradition and innovation, bringing the proven strengths of the original platform into a future-ready solution. 

As expressed in the company’s guiding principles: “We create sustainable progress by connecting our heritage with forward-looking solutions — for the benefit of our customers and the generations to come.”

Key features include:

• Flexible clamping unit with tiebar-less scissor design for easy tool change and enough room for additional devices
• Adjustable architecture for multilayer extrusion, angled neck calibration, bottom blow & more
• Ergonomic, operator-focused layout with enhanced accessibility and process-focusedoperation station
• Space-saving build with all key modules integrated on one frame
• Smart HMI (BC6) with 24” widescreen interface
• High machine availability via fast mold change systems and minimum maintenance requirements
• Energy-efficient operation thanks to servo electric extruder Drive and reduced compressed air usage

Ready for today — built for tomorrow

The GREY Series supports Feuerherms PWDS, SFDR, and Kautex’s proprietary DataCap solutions, and can be configured for PCR materials, rapid cooling masks, or complex post-processing. It continues to support bottom-blow and integrated cooling stations for efficient production of complex hollow containers.

Whether producing large jerry cans or compact consumer packaging, KEB GREY adapts. And thanks to backwards compatibility with existing KEB molds and die heads, long-time customers can transition smoothly — protecting past investments while unlocking new potential.

About Kautex Maschinenbau

Shaping and forming the industry for 90 years, Kautex has been a global leader in extrusion blow molding. With headquarters in Bonn and a dense global network, Kautex delivers German-engineered solutions backed by deep process know-how — helping customers worldwide achieve the highest levels of product quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

Website: www.kautex-group.com

About the Owner: Jwell Machinery Co. Ltd

Jwell Machinery Co Ltd is one of the leading extruder manufacturers in China, specializing in the supply of high-quality extrusion equipment for various industries. In addition to several factories in China, Jwell has increased the number of overseas factories to three through this transaction. With its value-based philosophy, the family-owned company employs around 3500 people. With extensive experience and expertise in the field of extrusion, Jwell is a reliable choice for companies seeking first-class extrusion solutions.

Website: www.jwell.cn

Contact

Please send press inquiries by e-mail to communications@kautex-group.com.

Bonn, 20 February 2025 – It is with pride and confidence that Kautex Maschinenbau System GmbH announces the appointment of Eike Wedell as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over 35 years of experience in plastics technology, Eike Wedell brings an impressive combination of industry knowledge, leadership and innovative spirit that will lead the company into a new era of growth and sustainability.

“Kautex is a company with a global reputation in the plastics industry and enormous potential. I look forward to working with the team to develop new technologies and implement a sustainable growth strategy that will bring Kautex back to the top,” says Eike Wedell at the start of his new position.

A clear plan for the future

As a long-standing expert in plastics technology and with a clear plan for sustainable development, Wedell sees the circular economy as one of the key challenges of the future. “Visions are a reach for the stars. However, the next achievable steps are clear to me: the entrepreneurial success of Kautex and the establishment of a stable organization after turbulent years. This will provide security for our customers, but also for the families of our employees. It will also accelerate the development of sustainable technologies that save our customers money and protect the environment." In order to achieve these goals, Wedell is planning an intensive examination of the company's previous working methods.

Strategic focus and constant growth

A central strategic focus is the development of new markets and product segments. To this end, targeted investments are being made in adjacent technologies, among other things. Eike Wedell explains: “I have three main priorities: I want to ensure that employees are proud of their Kautex products and that everyone has the goal of producing the most economical blow molding systems – in time and exceeding expectations. Secondly, we will massively expand our technical center to serve not only as an innovation center, but also as a central location for further training and exchange. It will become a place where employees, customers and partners can come together to work on forward-looking solutions.”

Wedell's third focus is on the development of a new product segment that will help to balance out market fluctuations. The focus will be on technologies that address both sustainable materials and innovative fields of application, for example in the circular economy and in the area of renewable energies. The aim of this initiative is to reduce dependence on traditional markets and at the same time open new growth opportunities.

Leadership principles and corporate culture

In his management work, Eike Wedell relies on a cooperative management style based on trust, personal responsibility and teamwork. “The greatest success is when my team can say: We did it together”. In addition to a lean organization and more efficient processes, optimizing the ERP system will also be a top priority, which will have a positive impact for our customers.

Sustainability and social responsibility

“Our current standard of living would be inconceivable without plastics, but the industry has so far failed to consistently implement the circular economy. We want to make our contribution here and I will continue to strongly promote this. That is why we are also part of R-Cycle,” says Wedell. It is clear that innovation, sustainability and close cooperation with employees, customers and partners are the pillars of Kautex's future success.

A message to employees and customers

Eike Wedell is convinced that the common path into the future requires commitment and a willingness to change. “Success comes through participation. We want to be a reliable problem solver and partner for our customers and business partners. I would like to thank you for your trust and look forward to working with you.” With the appointment of Eike Wedell as CEO, Kautex Maschinenbau System GmbH is optimistic about the future and is setting clear signals for growth, innovation and sustainability.

On February 15th, the first newly - manufactured SKYREEF 400S Blue equipment by Foshan Kautex smoothly cleared the customer's pre - acceptance inspection. Subsequently, it was loaded into containers at the Foshan Shunde factory and dispatched to the customer

SKYREEF Blue Series: Electro - hydraulic hybrid, high - efficiency equipment

The SKYREEF Blue series of equipment is an electro-hydraulic hybrid series launched by Kautex in 2021. This equipment combines the highest-quality and most reliable structural components and functions from two highly mature types of equipment, the hydraulic KCC and the fully-electric KBB.

The machine is equipped with an innovative electric mold-moving system, which enables precise control and efficient operation during the mold-moving process. It also features a brand-new Blow Command 6 control system. With its intelligent operation interface and powerful data-processing capabilities, this control system provides users with a more convenient and efficient operating experience.

Combined with a quick mold-changing system and manual reverse drainage functions for molds and blow pins, it greatly shortens the mold-changing cycle and reduces environmental pollution. Coupled with the combination mold and cooling system independently developed and designed by Kautex, it can flexibly switch production to 20L, 25L, and 30L barrels, greatly improving production efficiency.