Hunkeler, the Swiss manufacturer of advanced reel paper-handling equipment used on the majority of high-speed inkjet web presses - is now part of the Müller Martini Group, following a takeover. Hunkeler has amassed an enviable reputation in inkjet reel paper handling, personified in its two-yearly 'Hunkeler Innovation Days' attended by many from Australia and New Zealand.
(LtoR) Stefan Hunkeler, president of the board of Hunkeler AG; Michel Hunkeler, delegate of the board of Hunkeler AG; Bruno Müller, CEO of Müller Martini AG; Rudolf Müller, owner and member of the board, Müller-Martini AG; Daniel Erni, CEO of Hunkeler AG; Franz Hunkeler, patron of Hunkeler AG.
After careful consideration, the owner families have decided to merge the Hunkeler Group with the Müller Martini Group. Müller Martini Holding AG has acquired all of the shares of the Hunkeler Group. With this transaction, the Hunkeler family and Crédit Mutuel Equity have sold off all their shares to Müller Martini. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
Hunkeler AG and Müller Martini AG are both global market leaders with innovative solutions for post-print paper processing. Both companies focus a significant part of their innovative strength on the economical production of individualized print products within an automated smart factory.
Hunkeler and Müller Martini have been very close for many years. The long and successful history began during the 2nd World War, when Hans Müller worked for Hunkeler as a mechanical engineer before setting up his own business in 1946 and founding the company Hans Müller / Grapha. These good relations have been maintained for decades. The local proximity in the Swiss Zofingen region and the already existing and successful partnership in the machine and component business form an ideal starting point for even closer cooperation in the future.
Stefan and Michel Hunkeler say: "There is a long-standing partnership between Hunkeler and Müller Martini and a regular exchange. The opportunity for the merger is currently greatly beneficial for both partners and our joint customers, as it will result in considerable advantages in a combined enterprise. This is also a strong commitment for the Zofingen region."
A Screen Truepress Jet 520HD inkjet press - seen here with Hunkeler reel unwind and rewind
