German glass and plastic packaging manufacturer Gerresheimer Group has acquired the country's Wilden AG, a specialist producer of plastic components, including packaging, for the pharma, diagnostic, medical technology and consumer healthcare sectors.
Headquartered in Regensburg, Wilden is among Europe's leading manufacturers of pharmaceutical drug delivery systems such as inhalers and insulin pen systems, all produced by its Medical Plastic Systems Division, which also manufactures face cream jars and other cosmetics packaging. The Division's sales account for two-thirds of the group's current €240m turnover
Wilden's other division, Technical Plastic Systems, makes sophisticated injection-moulded products, mainly for the automotive industry. In total the group has eight production plants and four joint ventures employing 2,300. While much of its focus is European, the company is also active in the US, Mexico, China and the UAE.
“Gerresheimer is probably best-known for its glass and plastic packaging, although we also produce dosing and dispensing systems at a number of our sites,” explains Burkhard Lingenberg, director, corporate PR and marketing. “With the Wilden purchase we are acquiring a whole new set of additional skills and manufacturing capabilities, particularly in diagnostics, dispensing, and medical/pharmaceutical plastic products.”
Dr Axel Herberg, Gerresheimer ceo, adds: “ Through the takeover we have acquired the market, quality and technology leader in all its product segments, which are characterised by highly dynamic growth - a quantum leap for us. Our pharma business in plastic grows into a new order of magnitude, giving us a completely new positioning towards our customers.”
Following the acquisition the Gerresheimer Group will comprise four divisions: Tubular Glass, Moulded Glass, Life Science Research and Plastic Systems. Turnover will rise to over €900m, while the Group will operate from over 30 plants in Europe, the US and Asia.
