SIPA, a leader in PET container production and filling technologies, has officially acquired all activities related to production of injection-stretch-blow molding (ISBM) equipment at Automa S.p.A., another Italian company well-known in the PET packaging sector.
The acquisition represents an important strategic move for SIPA. It will enable the company to extend its existing offering in single-stage ISBM systems; it will provide it with a stronger position in the market for equipment producing specialty products, such as containers for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, and spirits; and it is fully in line with SIPA’s objective of becoming a leader in the development and supply of complete solutions for filling and packaging.
Automa ISBM machines are designed for production of containers in smaller lots than SIPA’s existing units, with features that enable quick change-overs between diffferent product configurations. They are also characterized by their compact lay-outs and high energy efficiency. The three-station ISBM 50SR unit, for example, with a 500-kN injection clamp force, has a rated power consumption of just 18.5 kW/h for machine, hot runner system and PET loader. The 800-kN ISBM 80SR, which has four stations (separate stations for stretch-blow and discharge), consumes 20 kw/h.
Enrico Gribaudo, General Manager of SIPA, says the company intends to exploit synergies between SIPA and Automa’s ISBM operation, in three areas in particular: firstly, in packaging development; secondly, in research and development of the ISBM process and containers, which is already a major SIPA strength; and thirdly, in technical support, which SIPA now provides through 18 branch offices and 23 technical assistance centers across the globe, complemented by a hot line covering all products.
SIPA has specialized for more than 25 years in complete manufacturing lines, including molds, for PET containers. It has production operations in Italy and China. The company’s offering includes preform and bottle design, engineering and industrialization up to the supply of injection and blowing molds for any type of PET machines in the market.
SIPA provides the full range of PET container production machines (single stage machines, linear and rotary blowmolders, preform injection and injection-compression machines) as well as complete filling lines.
“We pride ourselves on being a strong and reliable partner with all our customers, and we are extremely happy to be able to add Automa customers to our number,” says Gribaudo. “We are now gearing up our operations to ensure that they receive the highest levels of service and support for their PET bottle processing equipment.”
