GERMANY – Stahl, a global leader in specialty coatings for flexible materials, has announced its acquisition of WEILBURGER Graphics, a Germany-based manufacturer of coatings, inks, and adhesives.
The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
WEILBURGER Graphics specializes in water-based and energy-cured coatings for the graphic arts and packaging industries.
The company, which reported sales of €70 million (US$77.68 million) in 2023, employs over 140 people, primarily in Germany. The completion of the deal is pending customary regulatory approvals.
Günter Korbacher, Managing Director of WEILBURGER Graphics, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We look forward to joining the Stahl Group to combine our expertise and expand our global presence in packaging coatings.
“Stahl is a prominent and respected brand, and with our complementary product portfolios, geographical coverage, and alignment with the QIS principle—covering quality, innovation, and sustainability—we will create a well-rounded and truly global offering for the market.”
The acquisition significantly strengthens Stahl’s newly established packaging coatings division and aligns with its strategy to expand its global footprint in flexible materials.
The integration of WEILBURGER Graphics is expected to accelerate the growth of Stahl’s packaging coatings offerings on a global scale.
Stahl CEO Maarten Heijbroek commented, “This acquisition further strengthens our packaging coatings business, building on our acquisition of ICP Industrial Solutions Group (ISG) in March 2023.
“Importantly, it enhances our position in the European packaging coatings market with WEILBURGER Graphics’ innovative portfolio, particularly in growth sectors like food and beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
“Their unique expertise, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, and strong focus on sustainability make them one of the best teams in the industry.”
In addition to this strategic acquisition, Stahl recently expanded its EleGrade® portfolio of high-end leather upgrading solutions, catering to a wide range of industries and end markets.
Leather upgrading solutions are crucial for maximizing the quality and yield of hides, especially in the context of evolving market conditions and raw material availability.
Stahl’s EleGrade® formulation, part of the Stahl Neo® collection, leverages advanced microcapsule technology to reduce yellowing effects, thanks to improved heat stability.
The portfolio includes products like Aquabase for high to medium leather upgrading, Melio® Ground for medium upgrading, and Mirage® for fine to medium upgrading.
Each range can be tailored to specific market requirements, from upholstery to classic shoes and high-fashion articles.
Stahl’s innovative products are designed to deliver premium performance with a reduced environmental footprint, aligning with the company’s purpose, “Touching lives, for a better world.”
This commitment to sustainability is evident in its compliance with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC-MRSL).
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