In future, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag (hall 24, stand D162 at Plast 2018) will be working closer with the Piovan Group  (hall 24, stand B71/C72) and its brands. The German-Japanese moulding machinery manufacturer has chosen the Italian specialist for downstream technology. Together they aim to develop and sale joint system solutions.

As part of this decision, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will offer a variety of Piovan downstream solutions from all product ranges. This way, sales outlets and representations will be able to provide machines and downstream equipment from one source. In addition to this, both partners will join forces in their efforts to accommodate strategically important target segments such as the packaging industry, particularly injection moulding applications such as thin-wall products and closures.

The relevant equipment was selected from Piovan’s general portfolio and adapted to suit the Sumitomo (SHI) Demag machine series. Launched in 2017, the cooperation will initially cater to European markets and will then be gradually stepped up to accommodate other global regions.

Both partners have been present in important global markets with their own sales and service structures. “The Piovan Group is the perfect partner because they offer a complete portfolio of downstream technology with a very high quality and performance level and a real global network,“ Gerd Liebig, CEO at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag points out. “With their core competencies, both manufacturers can support each other, “Filippo Zuppichin, Group Managing Director at Piovan adds, “because their requirements in terms of technology, quality and performance are as identical as their strict focus on their customers.”

In addition to Piovan downstream technology and Aquatech cooling systems, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will take on board the equipment at the European technical centres, as this allows them to offer customers the complete portfolio if required. At Chinaplas in Shanghai and at the NPE in Orlando, USA several Sumitomo (SHI) Demag exhibits were already running with Piovan downstream equipment, which was selected to suit the relevant applications’ requirements. At Plast Milan, Piovan technology will be running on Sumitomo (SHI) Demag exhibits.

Despite their close cooperation, both companies will continue as independent suppliers catering to different markets. The Piovan Group with their brands such as Aquatech for cooling systems will keep on providing equipment and services to other injection moulding machine manufacturers.