SHIBAURA MACHINE: Strategic expansion into Europe

(Tokyo, Altdorf, October 1, 2025) Japanese machine manufacturer SHIBAURA MACHINE acquired 80 percent of the shares in LWB Steinl GmbH. By combining their expertise in injection molding machines and automation, both partners aim to strengthen their technology and system competencies for fully automated production cells. To this end, the mechanical engineering and automation divisions will be separated from the Steinl Group and integrated into the partnership. Their sales networks also complement each other: SHIBAURA MACHINE will gain access to LWB’s European customer base, while LWB will benefit from SHIBAURA MACHINE’s established network in Asia and the United States. This expanded market access is expected to lay a foundation for long-term growth. Altdorf site (Germany) will remain operational as the European headquarters and production hub.

SHIBAURA MACHINE: Strategic expansion into Europe and expansion of the product portfolio
“Our strong footprint in America and the Asia-Pacific region forms the foundation for our strategic expansion. Europe, especially Germany, plays a key role in our growth. To fulfill our strategy, we specifically sought out a German partner who shares our standards of precision and quality. We identified this partner in LWB Steinl. As a family-owned company, LWB Steinl embodies the values that also shape our Japanese corporate culture: trust, appreciation, and loyalty," says Dr. Georg Holzinger, Managing Executive Officer of SHIBAURA MACHINE and future CEO and President of SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB GmbH.
By acquiring a majority stake of the mechanical engineering and automation division, the company aims to expand its product portfolio of all-electric and hydraulic injection molding machines to include vertical injection molding machines and automation solutions. This strategic step will enable the company to offer customers new applications in the future: in addition to thermoplastics, it will also process rubber, silicone, and elastomers.