Engel has acquired a stake in Electronica Plastic Machines (EPM), an Indian manufacturer of hydraulic injection moulding machines.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Through the acquisition, the Austria-based injection moulding machinery manufacturer plans to strengthen its presence in the Indian market. EPM’s manufacturing facility in Pune will serve as a hub to produce advanced injection moulding machines tailored to the specific needs of the Indian market.
The partners said the collaboration will focus on strengthening local production and innovation, as part of the ‘Made in India’ programme. That initiative was launched in 2014 with the aim to encourage companies to develop, manufacture, and assemble products in India. It allows up to 100% foreign investment in most manufacturing sectors, including plastics.
The acquisition will also open opportunities to export Indian-manufactured machines to regions such as the Middle East and Africa, Engel said in a statement.
The managing director of EPM, Aditya Ratnaparkhi, will continue to lead the company. The Engel Group will provide access to its global network and technical expertise, whilst maintaining EPM’s independence.
“Our goal is to support EPM’s growth while preserving its strong identity,” said Dr. Stefan Engleder, CEO of the Engel Group. “We are united by shared values and a commitment to sustainable and long-term success.”
Some of those shared values include family ownership, sustainable business practices, and a people-first approach Engel said in a statement.
EPM has over 25 years of experience in injection moulding machinery manufacturing. Its portfolio includes four series of machines, with clamping forces up to 6500 kN. Its footprint includes over 6,000 installed machines.
In an interview with Sustainable Plastics, Engel said it is preparing for a market upturn in 2025 by investing in modernising its facilities and strengthening its customer partnerships globally.