GERMANY – Owens-Illinois Inc (O-I Glass), a company that specializes in container glass products, and Krones, a packaging and bottling machine manufacturer, have signed a strategic collaboration agreement that will see the two companies work together to create solutions for the glass packaging market.
According to a joint statement from the companies, this partnership combines O-I’s specialised knowledge of glass with Krones’ competence in manufacturing machines and filling lines for the food and beverage industries.
“For O-I, glass is the preferred packaging solution in a world that increasingly values health, premium products and the environment,” Andres Lopez, president and CEO at O-I, said.
“Not only does it maintain the integrity of the products and protects the environment, as customers and consumers intend, but it also offers magnificent opportunities for establishing brands and implementing sustainable solutions.
“This agreement is the first step that O-I and Krones are taking together in order to offer clients completely integrated, end-to-end solutions in the future.”
Andres Lopez – president and CEO at O-I
“This agreement is the first step that O-I and Krones are taking together in order to offer clients completely integrated, end-to-end solutions in the future.”
Focus areas for the partnership include improvements in glass filling and packaging line speed and efficiency; enhanced agility and flexibility of responding to market trends; development of innovative and sustainable glass systems; and advancements in digital solutions such as direct-to-glass digital printing technology.
“In production facilities all over the world, the products of O-I and Krones are already encountering each other. So it was absolutely logical to improve still further the compatibility of Krones’ complete lines and the glass containers from O-I,” Christoph Klenk, CEO of Krones AG, said.
Krones recently launched its process group in North America. It said that the launch is an evolutionary next step since the acquisition of Tampa, FL based Trans-Market, LLC in 2016; Rochester, NY -based Javlyn Process Systems, LLC in 2017; and Waukesha, WI-based W.M. Sprinkman Corp in 2018.
Combined, the companies have more than 165 years of industry experience in design and implementation of turnkey process systems including engineering, automation, installation, distribution, and lifecycle service.
“When we decided to acquire three process technology companies several years ago, we already had the vision of a strong, combined, high performing processing group in mind,” said Holger Beckmann, CEO of Krones Inc.
Victor Tifone, president of Javlyn Process Systems, said, “This launch brings together some of the best process system design expertise the industry has to offer. Going to market as one comprehensive process team gives us a heightened level of agility and responsiveness in serving our customers’ daily needs.”
Keith Santi, president of Trans-Market, added, “Krones Process Group North America leverages the strengths of all three entities to provide streamlined solutions. As one unified force we are able to better deliver seamless processing solutions to our marketplace.”
While based in Franklin, Wis., Krones Inc. has subsidiaries throughout North and Central America. Krones Inc. is a subsidiary of Krones AG headquartered in Neutraubling, Germany.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE
