EXPANSION OF AUTOMATED PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

PROTECTIVE PACKAGING SPECIALIST STOROPACK SIGNS AGREEMENT TO ASSUME A MAJORITY SHAREHOLDING IN ITS COLLABORATION PARTNER OPITZ

Metzingen, November 2021. On October 27 this year, protective packaging specialist Storopack signed an agreement for the acquisition of 74.9 percent of shares in OPITZ Packaging Systems GmbH (OPITZ). OPITZ, headquartered in Düderode, Lower Saxony, and Storopack joined forces back in January 2019 to achieve automated and efficient processes in the field of packaging logistics. 

OPITZ boasts many years of experience in custom mechanical engineering and specializes in the manufacture of state-of-the-art automation solutions for packaging systems. The knowledge of OPITZ in terms of automating packaging processes represents a perfect fit with the experience and expertise of Storopack in the area of protective packaging solutions. Together, the product portfolios of the two companies encompass all aspects of the automation of packaging processes.

The entire OPITZ service spectrum will now be available to Storopack customers. “This investment is a major step when it comes to boosting the productivity of our customers’ protective packaging processes,” explains Hermann Reichenecker, Chairman of the Management Board at Storopack. In particular, the OPITZ portfolio comprises carton erectors, volume reducers, carton sealers using paper and self-adhesive tape, palletizers, and systems for the automation of the entire packaging process. Solutions that involve robots precisely placing core Storopack products such as AIRplus® air cushions and PAPERplus® paper cushions are currently in the development phase. “During the joint partnership, it already became clear that the two companies hold many of the same values and have a shared understanding in respect of high quality standards and a strong customer focus. This represents an ideal foundation going forward,” adds Hermann Reichenecker.

The company will retain the name OPITZ Packaging Systems GmbH, with the Opitz family remaining on board with a 25.1 percent stake. As sole CEOs, Günther Opitz and his son Tim Opitz will remain in charge of the family company’s business operations. In order to meet the sharp increase in demand for OPITZ products and solutions, there are also plans to build a new facility in Northeim, not far from Düderode.