The long-standing German machinery manufacturer Kolbus, known for its high-end packaging solutions, has entered a new chapter under the ownership of Munich-based Max Valier Holdings. The acquisition, to be finalized on January 1, 2025, will mark a significant turning point for the 249-year-old company, signaling both a strategic refocusing and the challenges of a major restructuring.
Kolbus, which has specialized in packaging machinery for industries ranging from luxury goods to eco-conscious packaging, has long been recognized for its precision in luxury box production and rotary die-cutting technologies. The company’s history dates back to 1776, and for decades, it has been a leader in the global packaging market. However, in recent years, Kolbus has faced increasing pressure to adapt to shifting market demands, particularly around sustainability and technological innovation.
Max Valier Holdings, a Munich-based investment group that specializes in acquiring and nurturing medium-sized companies within the engineering and manufacturing sectors, sees Kolbus as a key asset for its portfolio. The investment group’s focus on long-term growth and industrial optimization aligns with Kolbus’ ongoing transition from a traditional machinery supplier to a high-tech, eco-focused player in the packaging sector.
As part of the deal, Max Valier Holdings has committed to stabilizing Kolbus and investing in its future. However, the acquisition also comes with a difficult restructuring process that will impact the company’s workforce. Of Kolbus’ 495 employees, 155 positions—nearly a third of the workforce—are set to be eliminated. Additionally, the closure of the Krostitz site near Leipzig and the relocation of AutoBox production from the UK to Rahden, Germany, are central elements of the industrial reshuffling.
Despite the downsizing, Max Valier Holdings has promised to preserve 340 jobs at Kolbus’ main Rahden site. This move is part of a larger strategy to consolidate operations and enhance the company’s ability to meet the evolving demands of the competitive packaging market. Key to this strategy is a stronger focus on sustainability and automation, reflecting the increasing demand for environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
The changes at Kolbus come after a period of strategic transformation that began in 2018, when the company sold its bindery division to Müller Martini and began shifting its focus more heavily toward the packaging sector. The restructuring, though painful in the short term, is intended to allow Kolbus to better respond to the growing global demand for eco-responsible packaging, which has become one of the major growth drivers in the industry.
“The restructuring at Kolbus is a necessary step to ensure the company’s long-term competitiveness in the global market,” said Hannes Mahlknecht, CEO of Max Valier Holdings. “Our goal is to foster innovation and increase the company’s focus on high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions. We are committed to investing in technology and automation to secure Kolbus’ position as a leader in the industry.”
The acquisition of Kolbus by Max Valier Holdings is a significant move within the broader context of consolidation and innovation across the packaging machinery sector. The company’s renewed focus on luxury packaging and eco-friendly solutions positions it to meet the needs of modern brand owners and converters who are demanding more sustainable and efficient packaging technologies.
Kolbus, with its longstanding reputation for engineering excellence, is set to continue its transformation with the financial and strategic backing of Max Valier Holdings. While the transition will bring challenges, it also offers opportunities for the company to remain a trusted partner in an increasingly competitive and eco-conscious global packaging market.