Can sector: KHS acquires participation in Ferrum Packaging AG

The KHS Group and Ferrum AG are intensifying their longstanding cooperation, in particular in the can segment for years. Pending approval from antitrust authorities, KHS GmbH will be acquiring a stake in Ferrum Packaging AG.

The aim is to optimally bundle the competencies of both machine-engineering companies to form a common system portfolio in the interest of providing integrated customer systems. At the same time, customers will also benefit in the future from well thought-out, one stop-shop services. “Ferrum AG is the worldwide well-known manufacturer of can seamers. Combined with our future-oriented solutions in the field of filling and packaging technology, we form an effective union that is valued highly in the market, » emphasizes Martin Resch, CFO in charge of purchasing at KHS.

Ferrum Packaging AG was founded as a subsidiary of Ferrum AG and incorporates Ferrum’s entire worldwide can seaming business. KHS will be acquiring minority ownership in Ferrum. At the same time, Ferrum Packaging Inc., the US subsidiary of Ferrum Packaging AG, will be taking over KHS’ can seaming business together with its employees and will be integrating it into the joint offer.

The aim of the merger is to develop and globally market joint solutions. To date, the KHS Group has offered tried and tested Ferrum can seamers only as accessory components for its canning lines. Effective immediately, work in close cooperation will begin on developing even more efficient systems including a filler-seamer block. « Based on skilled future planning of technical components, block solutions are to be designed to be as integrative as possible and do away with redundant functions, » says Dr. Siegmar Stang, Executive Vice President Wet Area at KHS.

Among other things, the two partners have set themselves as targets for their new developments a lower TCO through shorter changeover times and more rapid sanitizing phases. In addition, the hygienic environment of the systems is to be further optimized.

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