From Toolmaker to Automation Champion: Dynamic Climber Muller Technology
Founded over 65 years ago as a manufacturer of machine tools, Muller Technology has evolved into the global market leader in In-Mould Labelling (IML). This success is driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation and close customer relationships.
Every day, millions of people around the world pick up yoghurt, muesli, cream cheese, ready-to-eat salads, and many other foods packaged in plastic cups and containers at supermarkets and grocery stores. Few realise that the label on most of these products is not simply a paper sticker affixed to the packaging but is instead fused with the plastic as an ultra-thin film. This has been made possible by the development of the In-Mould Labelling (IML) process, which engineering specialist Muller Technology has relentlessly advanced over the past ten years with expertise and inventive spirit.
Innovation as a Driving Force for Expansion
In the IML technology, the printed label film is placed directly into the injection mould and fused with the injected plastic under heat and pressure. Label and packaging become one. The development of IML technology marked a quantum leap in plastic food packaging, significantly increasing efficiency and productivity.
Muller Technology recognised the potential of IML early on. As a traditional manufacturer of injection moulds, it was a natural step for the company to evolve along its customers’ value chain. IML presented the perfect opportunity. CEO Carsten Eisenkrämer explains: “The food industry, along with many other sectors of industrial manufacturing, is under pressure to automate its processes as much as possible in order to remain competitive. With our automation solutions, we support them in this endeavour.”
Achieving Market Leadership with Turnkey Solutions
For some time now, Muller Technology has been placing a clear strategic focus on automation. This involves the development of fully automated, customer-specific complete systems that cover all process steps—from packaging production and handling to quality control and the seamless integration of packaging into the customer’s production lines. This unique approach sets Muller Technology apart on a global scale.
“Providing everything from a single source according to the turnkey principle has earned us a reputation among customers worldwide as an innovative company with a strong customer focus,” says CEO Carsten Eisenkrämer. “This motivates us to keep pushing forward and to establish a foothold in other industries as well.”
Decades of Collaboration with Bachofen
Muller Technology began its collaboration with Bachofen around 25 years ago with the procurement of THK linear guides. This marked the beginning of a strong partnership, giving Bachofen’s advisors repeated opportunities to demonstrate their technical expertise and keen understanding of specific customer needs.
As automation became increasingly important for Muller Technology, so did the demand for automation components. Today, in addition to lighting and signalling components from Bachofen’s technology partner Banner, Muller Technology primarily sources remote access systems from the premium brand Ewon by HMS through Bachofen and uses the Talk2M Pro licence.
This enables the packaging and logistics specialist to provide its customers worldwide with impeccable after-sales service, ensuring short response times and high operational reliability. CEO Carsten Eisenkrämer states: “Partners like Bachofen help us further strengthen our competitiveness—not only by keeping their delivery promises but also by supporting us with ideas for new solutions.”