Arburg has signed a purchase agreement to acquire Stork Plastics Machinery B.V., known as Stork IMM, based in Hengelo, the Netherlands, from Stibbe Participaties B.V. The agreement was signed on 29 July 2026 by Steffen Kroner, CFO of Arburg, and Guido Frohnhaus, CTO of Arburg, on behalf of Arburg, while Philip Stibbe, shareholder of Stork IMM and founder of Stibbe Participaties, signed on behalf of Stibbe Participaties B.V. According to the companies, the acquisition is aimed at strengthening their position in the global market for plastic injection moulding machines. The transaction is taking place against the background of a changing injection moulding market, marked by volatile developments, lower volumes, increasing international competition and growing importance of economies of scale.
Two established brands in injection moulding
Arburg described the transaction as a strategic expansion of its portfolio, particularly in large machines and packaging machinery. The company also emphasised the complementary character of the two brands and the expected benefits for both companies and their customers.
“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 said it is sending a clear signal to the global market: “We are here for you, in both good and challenging times!”
Extension of the machine portfolio
Stork IMM is known in the premium segment for large, high-speed injection moulding machines used in thin-wall packaging applications. Arburg stated that this area fits its plans for expanding the machine range, especially beyond its existing portfolio in larger clamping force classes.
“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.
Future development of Stork IMM
Eric Pans, CEO at Stork IMM, said that the acquisition by Arburg is expected to support the further development of the company. “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 an excellent foundation for the continued development and long-term success of Stork IMM.”
The signing of the purchase agreement on 29 July 2026 marks the first official step in the transaction. The acquisition is expected to be completed in around two months.
