German filling and packaging solutions provider KHS Group has acquired a majority stake in Tyrolon-Schulnig based in Austria, enhancing its knowledge and skills in the handling of polyethylene terephthalate and glass bottles.

This move will advance the development of equipment such as conveying stars and neck clamp systems, which are already successfully integrated into KHS lines.

With this acquisition, KHS will incorporate Tyrolon's expertise into its portfolio, offering both new lines and retrofit packages for existing machinery.

Tyrolon's bottle conveying technology is recognised for its efficiency, flexibility, and commitment to occupational safety.

Under the new arrangement, Tyrolon will offer its products and services to the entire market, including KHS, to ensure that its universal system remains accessible to all customers.

KHS' global organisation is expected to provide Tyrolon with growth opportunities. Both companies have expressed a commitment to their respective locations and a sense of responsibility towards the Tyrolon workforce at the Hochfilzen headquarters in Austria.

KHS Group managing director Martin Resch said: “This holding binds two companies closer together who already worked extremely successfully together in the past.

“It’s therefore not only good strategy to further develop this knowledge with the focus on the high-performance range; first and foremost, it also gives our customers significant added value, with systems and solutions now available from a single source.”

Founded in 1981, family business Tyrolon-Schulnig has developed two key systems, Tyrolon Star and Tyrolon Neck.

Tyrolon Star enables the gentle and versatile conveying of various containers without the need for conversion or additional parts. It can manage differences in diameter of up to 40mm.

The Tyrolon Neck clamp system features low maintenance, high-quality, and long service qualities.

Tyrolon-Schulnig CEO and founder Ludwig Schulnig said: “KHS’ reliable machine and system solutions harmonise perfectly with our products. I’m convinced that we’ll further optimise container handling through our intensified partnership and that our clients will profit from even more effective and sustainable production.”

KHS has also announced a merger with H.F. Meyer Maschinenbau, known for its specific canning technology segments, set to take effect from 1 January 2025.