Bosch and Klenzaids plan joint venture in India

Published: 1-Dec-2014

They aim to extend their global reach in liquid pharmaceuticals and packaging machines for cleanroom environments

Bosch Packaging Technology is taking a 49% share in Klenzaids Contamination Controls, an Indian manufacturer of processing, packaging and cleanroom technology for the global pharmaceutical industry.

No financial details have been revealed, but the two companies say the aim of the joint venture is to extend their global reach, particularly in liquid pharmaceuticals and packaging machines for cleanroom environments.

Klenzaids will contribute its expertise in designing and building cleanrooms, processing technologies and peripheral systems, while Bosch will offer its strength in innovative filling technologies.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Mumbai, Klenzaids generated sales of approximately €6m in 2013 and employs 350 people. The company supplies laboratories that meet biological safety class standards 2–4. Class 4 laboratories guarantee the absolute isolation of micro-organisms from the environment. It also offers isolators and processing technologies for the production of liquid pharmaceuticals.

Despite our different regional backgrounds, Bosch and Klenzaids have a lot in common

Bosch Packaging Technology, which last year achieved global sales of €1.1bn and employs around 5,600 people worldwide, has been developing, building, and selling vertical and horizontal flow wrapping machines for packaging food as well as filling and sealing machines for liquid pharmaceuticals at its plant in Verna, in the state of Goa, India, since 2012. To date, the company has sold more than 1,500 packaging machines to leading brand companies in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The joint venture will be headquartered in Mumbai and is expected to employ 380 people.

The plan is subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities.

Friedbert Klefenz, President of Bosch Packaging Technology, said: 'We already have a long history of trusted collaboration with Klenzaids. The company is known for employing excellent people and for providing high-quality products and services. I am delighted at the prospect of a future together.'

Hamish Shahani, Managing Director of Klenzaids, added: 'Joining forces and pooling our resources will give us a stronger starting position in the emerging Indian market. Despite our different regional backgrounds, Bosch and Klenzaids have a lot in common. Both place great emphasis on profitable growth, innovative strength, reliability, a motivated workforce, and strong value orientation.'

Commenting on the agreement, Steffen Berns, President of Bosch India, said: 'Following the inauguration of our manufacturing unit in Verna, this is the second milestone for our packaging technology business in two years. I am extremely confident that this new partnership will further strengthen our product portfolio and market reach. The activities of both parent companies dovetail perfectly, and our pharmaceuticals unit as well as our customers will benefit immensely from this joint venture.'

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