The Krones Group, headquartered in Neutraubling, Germany, plans, develops, and manufactures machines and complete lines for the fields of process technology, bottling, canning and packaging, plus intralogistics.

Every day, millions of bottles, cans and specially-shaped containers are “processed” on lines from Krones; particularly in breweries, the soft-drinks sector and at still-wine, sparkling-wine and spirits producers, but also in the food and luxury goods sectors, as well as the chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Since being founded in 1951, Krones has evolved far beyond its original role as a mere producer of machinery and bottling lines. The company has meanwhile become an “all-round partner” for its customers, creating harmonious, optimised synergies of mechanical engineering, line-related expertise, process technology, microbiology and information technology. Today, Krones is synonymous with “systems engineering”.

Krones’ success is based on a few crucial strategies: specialised knowledge of mechanical engineering and its customers’ sectoral needs, a technical lead in its chosen field, thanks to continuingly high expenditure on research and development, a manufacturing operation using state-of-the-art equipment to stringent standards of qualitative excellence, plus globalised 24/7 service support, all backed up by a highly qualified and enthusiastically motivated workforce. More than 1,300 patents granted and pending evidence the company’s innovatory potential.

Worldwide, the group employs around 10,000 people. 87 per cent of the machines produced go abroad. Consolidated sales in 2008 totalled 2.381 billion euros.
And while Krones’ operations focus predominantly on the medium, high and ultra-high output segment, its subsidiary Kosme offers machines and complete lines for first-timers and the smaller companies in the beverage industry.

Krones’ product portfolio covers the following categories:

• Stretch blow-moulding technology
• Filling and closing technology
• Aseptic filling
• Labelling and dressing technology
• Inspection and monitoring technology
• Washers, rinsers and pasteurisers
• Packing and palletising technology
• Conveyor technology
• Systems engineering
• Process technology
• Intralogistics
• Brewing technology (Steinecker)