The Krones Group, with its headquarters in Neutraubling, Germany, develops and manufactures machines and complete lines for all areas of filling and packaging technology. Specialised technical knowledge, evidenced by more than 1,300 existing patents, a generous level of expenditure on research and development, high-precision manufacturing to stringent standards of quality, plus round the clock service support through more than 30 branch operations worldwide, coordinated by a corporate culture of continuous innovation - these are just some of the factors which have contributed to the company’s success. The group comprises Krones AG itself and its subsidiaries Steinecker (brewing technology), Sander Hansen (pasteurising technology) and Syskron (process automation).

Krones started in 1951 with the manufacture of labelling machines, and nowadays operates on a global scale. Krones AG’s product range includes not only labellers, but also stretch blow-moulding machines, fillers, mixers, inspectors, monitoring equipment, conveyors and control systems. The Contiform stretch blow-moulding machine developed in 1997 for the manufacture of PET bottles marked the firm’s debut in the dynamically-expanding field of plastics technology.

The Krones Group is increasingly entrusted with jobs involving the planning and installation of complete filling and packaging lines for glass and PET bottles, as well as for cans. The group’s capabilities also include turnkey breweries and production facilities for the soft drinks industry. Its customers are breweries and soft drinks companies, wine, champagne, spirits and food producers, and the chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as well. The group has production facilities in Neutraubling, Nittenau, Flensburg, Freising and Rosenheim (all of them certified under DIN ISO 9001). Worldwide, Krones employs about 11,000 people. Exports account on average for approximately 80 % of the lines delivered. Consolidated turnover totalled 1,435 million euros in 2003.