Bosch plans acquisition of Kliklok-Woodman Corp.

Bosch Packaging Technology, a leading supplier of process and packaging technology, is planning to acquire Kliklok-Woodman Corporation, based in Decatur, Ga.,

Kliklok-Woodman is a globally recognized manufacturer of packaging machinery for the food industry, focused on the development, manufacture, and marketing of secondary packaging machinery such as end-load cartoners and top-load erectors and closers, and of primary packaging machinery such as vertical form, fill, and seal machines. With more than 60 years of experience, the company now employs some 240 associates and supplies customers worldwide from its U.S.-headquarters and a second manufacturing facility in Bristol, United Kingdom. In 2014, it generated sales revenue of approximately $65 million.

“This planned acquisition will further extend Bosch Packaging Technology’s position in the food and confectionery industry,” said Friedbert Klefenz, president of the Bosch Packaging Technology division. “Above all, it will enhance our system capabilities as a single-source supplier.”

“This is great news for our customers, especially those with growing global operations, those who value single source systems responsibility, and those who desire variety in their flexible packaging formats,” said Bill Crist, CEO of Kliklok-Woodman. “We are proud of this strategic change, which has the potential to provide our successful, international associate team with further opportunities and aligns with the core values and reputation we have built over 60 years.”

In particular, Kliklok-Woodman’s range of secondary packaging machinery will complement Bosch’s portfolio for the food and confectionery industry.

In recent years, Bosch Packaging Technology has made a number of acquisitions, including the purchase of cup- and bottle-filling machine maker Ampack (Germany) in 2012 and food packaging provider Osgood Industries (USA) in 2015.