A merger between sister companies Mocom and Wipag aims to ‘leverage synergies and meet the increased demand for recycled products’ said Philip O. Krahn, CEO of the Hamburg-based Otto Krahn Group in a statement earlier today announcing the news. The two companies together make up the compounding sector of the Group and will now combine their activities to form a single ‘strong team’ that will henceforth operate in the market under the brand name of Mocom, with production sites in Germany in Gardelegen, Hamburg and Zuelpich, as well as in Changshu (China) and in Duncan (USA).
"We believe that … our customers and partners will benefit from this,” said Krahn.
The merger will expand the Mocom product portfolio and deepen the compounder’s sustainability expertise. The sustainable compounds Wic Wipaflex, and Wiplast from Wipag are complementary to Mocom’s current ECO product portfolio.
“Our common goal is to offer a sustainable alternative for every prime material,” explained Jens Kaatze, CEO of Mocom.
The changes associated with the consolidation will be implemented step by step and will not impact customers, contract partners, or existing business relationships. Kaatze said that the production of certain individual products could be restructured, but that the affected companies will be duly notified ‘in a timely manner’.
The companies are exhibiting together at Fakuma (Hall B4-booth 4206) in Friedrichshafen under the Mocom name.
Going forward, Mocom will increase the focus on its ECO portfolio, with products based on recycled PIR, PCR and renewably sourced materials, and on its compounds for lightweight applications, which are used, among other things, in applications in the field of e-mobility.
In that context, Mocum is also currently constructing a new production building in in Gardelegen, Germany for the manufacturing of lightweight carbon fibre reinforced compounds. Construction will be completed by the beginning of next year. Starting in 2024, over 3,000 tonnes of carbon fibre reinforced compounds will be able to be produced. Reusing carbon fibres derived from post industrial waste will enable very light and highly durable plastics
"We will start with one extrusion line and the equipment for processing the carbon fibers from post-industrial waste for compounding. The hall is dimensioned in such a way that additional extrusion lines can be accommodated," said Kaatze.