Bosch Plans Acquisition of Packaging Machinery Manufacturer Kliklok-Woodman

Bosch Packaging Technology is planning to acquire Kliklok-Woodman Corp., based in Decatur, Georgia. Agreements to this effect were signed on Sept. 21, 2015. Kliklok-Woodman is a globally recognized manufacturer of packaging machinery for the food industry. The company employs approximately 240 associates and supplies customers worldwide from its U.S.-headquarters and a second manufacturing facility located in Bristol, United Kingdom. In 2014, it generated sales revenue of approximately $65 million. It has been agreed that the purchase price will not be disclosed. The acquisition is subject to the approval of antitrust authorities.

More than 60 Years of Experience in the Packaging Industry

“This planned acquisition will further extend Bosch Packaging Technology’s position in the food and confectionery industry," says Friedbert Klefenz, president of the Bosch Packaging Technology division. "Above all, it will enhance our system capabilities as single-source supplier." Kliklok-Woodman has more than 60 years of experience in the packaging of goods such as pastries and confectionery, frozen food, and dairy products. The company focuses mainly on the development, manufacture, and marketing of secondary packaging machinery such as end-load cartoners and top-load erectors and closers, and of primary packaging machinery such as vertical form, fill, and seal machines.

Bill Crist, CEO of Kliklok-Woodman said, “This is great news for our customers, especially those with growing global operations, those who value single source systems responsibility, and those who desire variety in their flexible packaging formats. We are proud of this strategic change, which has the potential to provide our successful, international associate team with further opportunities and aligns with the core values and reputation we have built over 60 years.”

Expansion of global market presence in food sector

In particular, Kliklok-Woodman’s range of secondary packaging machinery will complement Bosch Packaging Technology’s portfolio for the food and confectionery industry.

“Kliklok-Woodman will help boost Bosch’s presence in this market, and the acquisition is an important step on the road to fulfilling our PA 2020 growth strategy,” Klefenz adds.

The expansion of market share, particularly in growth regions, the development of new business fields, and the enlargement of the portfolio to enter new segments of the food industry are central to this strategy.

Source: Bosch Packaging Technology.