IBC expertise in stainless steel from a single source - SCHÄFER WERKE Group takes over Automationstechnik GmbH
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Two strong family businesses are combining their expertise: With effect from 1st July 2025, the SCHÄFER WERKE Group has taken over full ownership of Automationstechnik GmbH in Langenwang, Austria. With this strategic acquisition, SCHÄFER Container Systems is strengthening its market position as a leading manufacturer of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and special stainless steel containers, and significantly expanding its product range. Both the respective production sites and the global sales structures of the two companies will remain unchanged following the takeover.
The merger combines over 80 years of expertise in metalworking container construction. For business partners and customers of both companies, the acquisition means an even wider range of products and services – from heating containers with hazardous goods approval, through to digital solutions for condition monitoring and smart logistics integration.
Comprehensive IBC range
The aim of the partnership is to offer the most comprehensive range of stainless steel containers on the market – from standard IBCs and heating and hazardous goods containers, through to special aseptic solutions for highly sensitive applications. Industrial customers and rental companies alike therefore benefit from a comprehensive range of products from a single source. The expansion of digital services, for example for container monitoring or process integration, will also be the focus of future development.
Two family businesses – one goal
Automationstechnik GmbH is the global technology leader in the manufacture of aseptic stainless steel containers with volumes of 200 to 2000 litres for a wide range of applications. The company is a sought-after partner to the fruit-processing food industry, among others. Other core areas include the chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
SCHÄFER Container Systems offers an extensive range of stainless steel IBCs for various applications, for liquids, pastes or solids. The company focuses on innovative technologies and has sales activities across the world.
Background: International demand for stainless steel IBCs is expected to continue to grow in the coming years – fuelled by regulations such as the EU packaging regulation, requirements from insurance companies and the general trend towards switching from plastic to sustainable and safe stainless steel containers.
Common foundation for growth and innovation
“With the acquisition of Automationstechnik GmbH, we are further sharpening our technological expertise and emphasising our claim to be a holistic provider in the IBC sector,” explains Marcus Düber, Managing Director of the SCHÄFER Werke Group. “Together, we are creating a strong platform for further growth and innovation.”
“We are delighted to have found a strong partner in the SCHÄFER WERKE Group that shares our values and offers our company long-term development prospects,” says Thilo Reich, Managing Director of Automationstechnik GmbH. “Our customers can continue to rely on high-quality, aseptic container solutions and the best service.”
Locations remain unchanged – focus on synergies
Automationstechnik GmbH will continue to operate independently on the market, with close coordination with SCHÄFER Container Systems – particularly in sales and customer support. Both production sites will remain in operation. At the same time, synergies in purchasing, production and digitalisation are to be leveraged in a targeted manner.
