Bosch deal enabled global expansion, says Ampack

Markus Schlumberger, head of sales from Ampack, told FoodProductionDaily.com that the aim was for sustainable growth and a permanent presence through Bosch’s network.

“We had no footprint outside Europe but the integrations equaled a global market. There is a focus on Asia but Bosch Packaging Technology is also in the Americas and we can touch the Middle East so we are closer to customers for project work and after sales service.​

“It was a step outside of Europe to serve our customers and our portfolios have been launched into existing Bosch plants globally.​

“There is a growing trend for single serve products because of an increase in single households in developed countries and emerging markets.”​

He said that further investments may be necessary but they would have to align with Bosch’s strategy.

“We have invested in our current laboratory [in Germany] for potential future developments, we are planning now and we aim to be finished by the end of the year.​

“We will set up various filling technology for customers’ new products and with new testing we can evaluate which filling system is used and is best, for things such as viscosity, best output and safest processing.”   ​

Portfolio expansion​

Bosch acquired Ampack in October last year to complement their portfolio of filling and packaging machines for liquid and viscous food.

The German packaging equipment provider specializes in the production of cup and bottle filling machines for liquid and viscous food and has more than 1,500 machines in operation.

“The portfolios complemented each offer and had better options for our individual customers’ needs. We can present a much wider range than in the past."​

He said that Ampack remained focused on pre-formed cups and bottles while Bosch handled the thermoforming.

“I’ll give you an example, last week we were in Southern Europe with a customer with thermoformed and pre-manufactured cups, so our sales force can present a complete range.”​

Adding filling for pre-formed packaging​

Santy Witarsa, director of sales, marketing and product management from business unit liquid food at Bosch Packaging Technology, said: “By acquiring Ampack, we added liquid filling options for pre-formed cups and bottles. Among others, Bosch supplies packaging lines for liquid and viscous food, where cups are formed in line through thermoforming process. ​

“Adding an alternative of pre-made cups and bottles allows Bosch to offer its customers higher flexibility in selecting the right packaging solution for their particular needs.”  ​

The firm said they would focus on the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), as they will be responsible for the main growth in dairy consumption.

Consumer driven​

Eberhard Meinikheim, head of sales at Ampack, said more and more consumers want on-the-go and easy-to-consume products.

“The main growth will come from emerging markets (BRIC and Asia), where urbanization and rapid creation of the middle class are driving demand for processed food, forcing manufacturers to look for ways to extend the shelf-life of their products. ​

“In addition, the necessity to transport their products over vast distances puts pressure on manufacturers to ensure product protection and long life,” ​he added.  ​

Bosch Packaging Technology also last week announced the deal for Tecsor, which develops and sells machinery for making and filling PET containers for liquid and paste-like foodstuffs.  

Tecsor can make and fill between 6,000 and 32,000 bottles per hour with its blow-moulding technology.