Extrusion International 1-2024

10 Extrusion International 1/2024 INDUSTRY NEWS Acquisition  CiTEX Holding GmbH an- nounced the acquisition of PIXAR- GUS, based in Würselen, Germany. The technically specialised company has been offering inline quality con- trol for extrusion products for 20 years, using unique image process- ing technology to detect and docu- ment flaws and material changes as part of automated surface inspec- tion and geometry measurement of profiles, hoses, pipes, cables, and sheets made of plastic, metal, pa- per, and fibre composites, primar - ily for medium-sized customers in Europe. The acquisition underlines CiTEX Holding's commitment to consolidating its position as a lead- ing provider of sensor and measure- ment technology and advanced digitalisation solutions worldwide, through its subsidiary iNOEX, and to distinguishing itself as a leading provider in the global plastics extru- sion market. "We are delighted to be able to utilise the expertise of PIXARGUS for our global customers, particu- larly with regard to the growth po- tential in the USA, China and Asia. Thanks to PIXARGUS' specialist competence, it will be possible for our group of companies to com- prehensively address our global customer base in extrusion tech- nology in the future. In addition, the acquisition will not only enable us to increase our market share in our key markets, but we will also be able to draw on a wealth of data and knowledge as part of our data science activities," says Dr. Ralph Klose, CO-CEO of CiTEX Holding GmbH. "PIXARGUS has profound knowledge of product develop- ment and consulting, particularly in the automotive and profiles market segments. Together, we will be able to provide our customers with com- prehensive support across the en- tire automation cycle in the future." "The business development of the CiTEX Group over the last four de- cades reflects the esteem in which it is held by both customers and sup- pliers in the field of sensor/measure - ment technology and also in the more advanced segment of data processing in extrusion technology. The comprehensive expertise that CiTEX subsidiary iNOEX brings to the SME sector is a significant as - set for PIXARGUS and its activities. Our joint focus on promoting digi- tal transformation using cloud so- lutions makes us a comprehensive solution provider in this market seg- ment. The merger of the two com- panies also strengthens our planned global expansion." "We are all looking forward to embarking on this journey together with our new colleagues in the Ci- TEX Group," emphasise Managing Directors René Beaujean and Dr. Jürgen Philipps of PIXARGUS. CiTEX Holding GmbH www.citex-group.de iNOEX GmbH www.inoex.de PIXARGUS GmbH www.pixargus.de Dr. Ralph Klose (CO-CEO CiTEX Holding GmbH) New Investor  All Kautex Maschinenbau GmbH and related enti- ties have been sold to Jwell, except the Kautex Shunde entity, on which a deal is within eyesight. All material as- sets and the entire business operations of the mechani- cal engineering company have been transferred to the Chinese investor. On January 1st, 2024, the new com- pany – Kautex Maschinenbau System GmbH – took over all duties of the old company. “With Jwell as new strong partner aside from Kautex Maschinenbau System GmbH, we have a bright future ahead. Jwell is a strategic fit for us. They have a strong background in plastics machinery manufacturing. They have the financial capabilities to complete Kautex trans - formation and they are committed to even increase our local manufacturing and service footprint with the target of creating the world market leader within the extrusion blow molding business”, states Thomas Hart- kämper, CEO of the Kautex Group.