Through the merger, Maag Pump Systems and Automatik Plastics Machinery will decisively reinforce their market position.  Maag Pump Systems is one of the largest providers worldwide for gear pumps, filtration systems and screen changers for the plastics industry, as well as for chemical and industrial processes while Automatik Plastics Machinery is the leader in pelletising systems for manufacturing plastic pellets. Both companies will appear in the market under their existing brand names for the time being. The new group is headed by Ueli Thürig, CEO of Maag Pump Systems AG.

‘With the merger, we can offer customers high-quality components and complete, integrated systems for plastic processing. We are thus becoming the largest provider in this segment worldwide,’ explained Ueli Thurig.

‘We've been working together on projects for different customers for many years. The merger is a logical consequence of the complementary product ranges of the two companies,’ explained Roger Stehr, CEO of Automatik Holding.

The production plant in Grossostheim will also serve in the future as a central location for the installation of complete systems, repairs and services. ‘The location in Germany is ideal, since many of our OEM partners for plastic processing also have their headquarters here. Now we can offer them complete system integration consisting of gear pumps, screen changers, pelletising systems and automation units from a single source,’ explained Roger Stehr.

The four other production locations in Switzerland, Italy, USA and China remain in operation. Assembly is supposed to be further expanded in Shanghai. Moreover, the group is present at another five locations with its own branches and worldwide with agencies in over 100 countries.

The previous investment companies  remain holders of the new group, each with a 50 percent share. Automatik Plastics Machinery has belonged to the Private Equity Organisation CGS Management in Pfäffikon, Switzerland since November 2008. Maag Pump Systems has been a part of the Private Equity section of Scotland-based Clyde Blowers since the end of 2008.