Gabriel-Chemie Group has opened an expanded production facility in Nyíregyháza, Hungary, following an investment of approximately €6.5 million. The project increases capacity, modernises infrastructure and adds energy-efficient systems, including a planned 250 kWp photovoltaic installation.
IFR: 542,000 industrial robots were installed worldwide in 2024, with nearly 12% cobots. Poland recorded 2,344 new installations, down 13% y/y, remaining the largest robotics market in CEE.
Polykemi is accelerating its North American expansion, adding sales and support staff while preparing a third extruder in the US that would lift output by about 50 percent by 2027. The plan follows steady demand for customized plastic compounds and early traction in automotive and construction.
Although the October ethylene price was unchanged, HDPE, LLDPE and LDPE prices are expected to fall next week. Weak market conditions and persistently low converter activity are the drivers.
MachinePoint data indicate a volatile secondary market for extrusion-blow molding machines between 2018 and 2025, with demand concentrated on select brands and machine sizes while supply remains fragmented. Regional patterns show Europe as the dominant source and persistent mismatches elsewhere.
The European plastics industry faces challenges from strict regulations, rising recycling demands, and record-high energy costs. Production is shifting outside the EU, risking dependence on imports and weakened competitiveness.
Barry-Wehmiller appointed Kyle Chapman as chief executive officer, in addition to his role as president, while Bob Chapman continues as chairman and majority shareholder. The planned succession follows more than a decade of Kyle Chapman’s leadership roles within the group.
The European plastics recycling sector is sliding into one of its deepest crises to date. By the end of 2025, Europe will have lost nearly one million tonnes of recycling capacity since 2023.
Moretto has opened a branch in Querétaro to expand support for plastics processors in Mexico. The company cites 2024 sales growth of 15% in the country and plans to leverage its full auxiliary equipment portfolio.
Interview with Thomas Franken, Director of K Show.
The situation on the Polish polypropylene market remains stable but difficult. Low demand and the presence of cheap imported material are limiting the ability of producers and trading companies to maintain polypropylene prices.
Krones acquired 60% of GHS Separationstechnik and fully took over the Netherlands-based Can Systems Worldwide, adding decanter centrifuges and can-end handling equipment to its offering.
