Machinery supplier Bobst has acquired a majority stake in Cito-System, a company that specialises in creasing systems for the packaging industry.
Cito-System is a specialist in the manufacturing of packaging made of paper, cardboard, and corrugated cardboard. The company supplies corrugated board converters, display producers, folding box companies, die makers, and printing companies.
Bobst, which supplies machinery and services to the packaging industry, now has a 51 per cent stake in Cito-System, while that company’s management retains 49 per cent of the company.
Julien Laran, head of Bobst’s business unit services, said Bobst recognises the strategic role that tooling plays, and the partnership with Cito-System would increase innovation and standardisation in the packaging chain.
“Together, we can help optimise and transform a very fragmented industry, ensuring that die-makers can manufacture and distribute the best possible tooling for an agile packaging production which provides converters with a significant competitive advantage,” Laran said.
Jürgen Mariën, managing director of Cito-System said production performance and quality is made by high-tech machines in combination with perfect tools and processes.
“Now Bobst and Cito-System are working hand in hand, Mariën said. “Combining the two companies’ innovation expertise we can improve performance and quality for the benefit of our customers. I am happy about the new situation because this joint venture makes Cito-System a stronger partner for our customers’ success."
In a statement, Bobst said it was working to integrate the key components that contribute to packaging production. In 2017, the company acquired a majority participation in Boxplan, which offers die-cutting equipment to the packaging industry. In 2018, BOBST established the Bobst Certification Program to support die-makers at the local level to deliver the best possible tooling for Bobst machines.
Raphaël Indermühle, head of sales and marketing of Bobst’s business unit services, said the partnership with Cito-System is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
“While we have significant expertise in tooling, we want our partners to faster develop and promote die-making components in the market,” Indermühle said.
“Cito-System is one of the leading suppliers in this field. Now, with Bobst, our certification programme, Boxplan, and Cito-System, we are fully equipped to drive innovation and standardisation further and help pioneer the future of tooling and packaging production.”
Carsten Wendler, managing director of Print & Pack Australia & New Zealand which distributes Bobst products here, said the development wouldn’t have an immediate effect for customers, as the distribution channels won’t change.
“But the expertise that the companies share will be important for customers,” he said. “Also, it is good for Cito to have a solid shareholder in these uncertain times; Bobst is the number one player in the industry.”
