The Schäfer Werke Group has fully acquired the Austrian company Automationstechnik GmbH with effect from 1 July 2025. According to Schäfer Container Systems, this strengthens its position in the market for stainless steel IBCs and special containers while expanding its portfolio; both production sites and the global sales structures will be retained.
The two family-run companies combine more than 80 years of experience in metalworking container construction. The aim is to offer a significantly broader range of products „from a single source“ - from standard IBCs to heating and hazardous goods containers through to special aseptic solutions for sensitive applications. According to the companies, industrial customers and rental companies will also benefit from expanded digital services, for example for condition monitoring and logistics integration. At the same time, the merger addresses a growing international demand for stainless steel IBCs, which is being fuelled by regulations such as the EU Packaging Regulation, requirements from insurers and the trend away from plastic towards robust stainless steel containers.
Goals and market environment
Automationstechnik is regarded as the technology leader for aseptic stainless steel containers with volumes of 200 to 2,000 litres and is established in the fruit-processing food industry, among others; other key areas are chemicals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Schäfer Container Systems complements this with a wide range of IBCs for liquids, pastes and solids and contributes worldwide sales activities. The companies emphasise that they want to offer the most comprehensive stainless steel IBC portfolio on the market and at the same time further expand digital offerings for monitoring and process integration.
Locations, structure and synergies
In organisational terms, Automationstechnik will operate independently on the market, but will be closely coordinated with Schäfer Container Systems - particularly in sales and customer support. Both production sites in Neunkirchen and Langenwang will remain in place. The focus will be on synergies in purchasing, production and digitalisation in order to increase efficiency and the speed of innovation. According to the company, the acquisition creates a joint platform for further growth and product development.
Source: Shepherd
