The acquisition of Dutch machinery maker Stork IMM will strengthen ARBURG’s position in large, high-speed injection moulding machines for thin-wall packaging and applications above 5,000 kN clamping force.
ARBURG has signed an agreement to acquire Stork Plastics Machinery B.V. (Stork IMM) from Stibbe Participaties B.V., bringing together two established names in the global plastic injection moulding machinery market. The purchase agreement was signed on 29 July 2026, with the transaction expected to close in September, subject to customary conditions.
Based in Hengelo, the Netherlands, Stork IMM specialises in large, high-speed injection moulding machines, particularly equipment designed for thin-wall packaging. Its technology complements ARBURG’s existing portfolio and will allow the German machinery manufacturer to expand further into machines with clamping forces exceeding 5,000 kN.
ARBURG said the acquisition is a strategic, long-term investment made against a changing injection moulding market characterised by volatility, lower volumes, increasing international competition and the growing importance of economies of scale. The company expects the combination to strengthen its competitive position while providing additional value to customers.
For the packaging industry, the deal is particularly relevant because Stork’s high-speed machinery is designed for efficient production of thin-wall plastic products. The acquisition gives ARBURG a stronger offering for packaging manufacturers requiring high productivity, large clamping forces and precision moulding capabilities.
Stork IMM CEO Eric Pans said the acquisition is expected to strengthen and expand the company’s business through greater international sales and service capabilities, a broader product portfolio, procurement synergies and supply-chain benefits.
For Stork, becoming part of ARBURG also provides access to a broader global network while maintaining its European manufacturing base. Stork shareholder Philip Stibbe described ARBURG as a complementary strategic partner with shared family-oriented values, a long-term outlook and a commitment to European manufacturing.
The acquisition will broaden ARBURG’s injection moulding machinery offering across large-format and packaging applications, complementing its existing technologies, automation systems and digital solutions. ARBURG’s portfolio already covers a wide range of plastic-processing requirements, including the processing of recyclates, bioplastics and compounds.
The development highlights continuing consolidation and strategic investment in the global plastics machinery industry, as equipment manufacturers seek greater scale, broader product portfolios and stronger international service networks.
Once completed, the Stork IMM acquisition is expected to strengthen ARBURG’s capabilities in high-speed, large-scale injection moulding, particularly for thin-wall packaging, while giving Stork additional resources to expand its international business.