Arburg acquires Stork IMM; expands portfolio in large and packaging machines

German machinery maker ARBURG GmbH + Co KG (Arburg) reached a historic milestone on 29 July 2026 with the signing of an agreement to acquire Stork Plastics Machinery B.V. (Stork IMM). CFO Steffen Kroner and CTO Guido Frohnhaus signed the purchase agreement on behalf of Arburg, while Philip Stibbe, shareholder of Stork IMM and founder of Stibbe Participaties, signed on behalf of Stibbe Participaties B.V. Under the agreement, Arburg will acquire the Hengelo, Netherlands-based Stork IMM from Stibbe Participaties B.V. The acquisition comes at a time when the injection moulding market is undergoing rapid change, driven by market volatility, lower production volumes, intensifying international competition, and growing pressure for economies of scale. Against this backdrop, the acquisition strengthens both companies' position in the global market for plastic injection moulding machines. With the signing of the purchase agreement, the first official step has been taken. The acquisition is expected to be completed in approximately two months.

Two strong brands united

“By purchasing Stork IMM, we are investing strategically in the future with a focused and long-term view”, says Dr Volker Nilles, CEO of Arburg, “and in this way want to strengthen Arburg’s position in the global injection moulding market. With this acquisition, two strong brands that have been well known on the market for many decades are now coming together: a clear win-win situation for everyone, and especially for customers.” With this strategic investment, Arburg is sending a clear signal to the global market: “We are here for you, in both good and challenging times!”

Perfect complement to the Arburg portfolio

Stork IMM is known in the premium segment for its large, high-speed injection moulding machines for thin-wall packaging. “The Stork machines are therefore ideally suited to extending the Arburg portfolio very quickly – but with a lasting and long-term impact – and strategically to include machines with a clamping force in excess of 5,000 kN and for the packaging industry “, says Nilles.

Assuring the future for Stork IMM

Eric Pans, CEO at Stork IMM, adds: “The acquisition by Arburg will help to strengthen and expand Stork’s business activities, among other things through international sales and service capacities, a broader product range, synergies in purchasing and supply chain, as well as further professionalisation of processes. “

Philip Stibbe commented: “In Arburg we have found a highly complementary strategic partner who shares our family values, long-term perspective and commitment to European manufacturing. We are convinced that this combination offers anexcellent foundation for the continued development and long-term success of Stork IMM.”
(Press Release)

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