Krones acquires Chinese process technology company

Manufacturer of filling and packaging technology Krones has acquired its long-term Chinese partner and supplier Shanghai Xiantong Equipment Installation.

Operating under the name Krones Processing (Shanghai), the new company will deliver turnkey process technology solutions around the globe, especially for breweries.

Under the acquisition, Krones now owns a production site for brewing equipment and other process technology solutions in China. It expands the company’s global footprint and caters to growing local and international demand for customised process technology solutions.

The team of around 170 people covers the entire value chain from engineering to manufacturing to installation and commissioning.

The acquisition builds on Krones Taicang and Xiantong’s 20-year partnership which saw them produce process technology equipment for the local market. For example, Krones’ first MicroCube compact brewhouse was manufactured by Xiantong.

Company headquarters will continue to be in Fengxian District, in southern Shanghai, but there will be a leadership change. Xiantong’s former owner, Liang Kun, will act in an advisory capacity in the new company, and the previous head of corporate development at Krones Taicang, Cheng Feng, will take over as Managing Director.