Bekum consolidates European operations

Bekum Maschinenfabriken GmbH, Berlin, has completed its reorganization, consolidating its European manufacturing of extrusion blow molding machines at a single site, in Traismauer, Austria. The company spent about $5.6 million to expand the Traismauer site, to about 172,000 square feet, which includes new assembly and office space, as well as a central warehouse. The company added about 40 employees.

"The reorganization results in considerable synergies not only on the cost side, but by pooling expertise and experience," said CEO Andreas Kandt.

Additionally, the company moved its headquarters within Berlin. Sales, marketing, development, technical service and spare parts distribution will all be handled at the Berlin office.