All activities related to the production of injection-stretch-blow moulding (ISBM) equipment at Automa have been acquired by Sipa, the company based in Vittorio Veneto (near Treviso, Italy) specialized in the manufacture of plants for the production of PET containers and filling technologies. The acquisition represents an important strategic move for Sipa. It will enable the company to extend its existing offering in single-stage ISBM systems; it will provide it with a stronger position in the market for equipment manufacturing specialty products, such as containers for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, and spirits; and it is fully in line with Sipa’s objective of becoming a leader in the development and supply of complete solutions for filling and packaging.

Automa ISBM machines are designed for production of containers in smaller lots than Sipa’s existing units, with features that enable quick changeovers between different product configurations. They are also characterized by their compact layout and high energy efficiency. For example, the three-station ISBM 50SR unit, with a 500-kN injection clamp force, has a rated power consumption of just 18.5 kW/h for machine, hot runner system and PET loader. The 800-kN ISBM 80SR, which has four stations consumes 20 kw/h.

Enrico Gribaudo, general manager of SIPA, says the company intends to exploit synergies between Sipa and Automa’s ISBM operation, in three areas in particular: packaging development; research and development of the ISBM process and containers, which is already a major Sipa strength; in technical support, which Sipa now provides through 18 branch offices and 23 technical assistance centers across the globe, complemented by a hot line covering all products.

Sipa has specialized for more than 25 years in complete manufacturing lines, including moulds, for PET containers. It has production operations in Italy and China. The company’s offering includes preform and bottle design, engineering and industrialization up to the supply of injection and blowing molds for any type of PET machines in the market. Sipa provides the full range of PET container production machines, such as single stage machines, linear and rotary blow moulding machines, injection and injection-compression machines for performs.