Bobst invests in Cito-System

Bobst has acquired the majority participation in the German Cito-System to drive innovation in tooling and in packaging production worldwide.

Bobst invests in Cito-System

Cito-System is known for providing a multiple of components for the converting and die-making industries with expertise in paper, cardboard, and corrugated board. Bobst acquired 51 percent of the company, but it will continue to run under the same management with its existing globally recognized branding and agent network.

‘In a world where agility and sustainability are the most critical elements for packaging production, Bobst recognizes the strategic role played by tooling. Our partnership with Cito-System will optimize the entire packaging chain in terms of innovation and standardization,’ said Julien Laran, head of Bobst’s Business Unit Services. ‘Together, we can help optimizing and transforming a very fragmented industry, ensuring that die-makers can manufacture and distribute the best possible tooling for an agile packaging production which provides converters with a significant competitive advantage.’

‘Production performance and quality is made by high-tech machines in combination with perfect tools and processes,’ added Jürgen Mariën, managing director of Cito-System. ‘Now Bobst and Cito-System, leading suppliers in the packaging and tooling industries, are working hand in hand. Combining the two companies’ innovation expertise we can improve performance and quality for the benefit of our customers. I am happy about the new situation because this joint venture makes Cito-System a stronger partner for our customers’ success.’

Over the years Bobst has developed a range of tooling innovations. In 2017, the company acquired Boxplan, which offers many die-cutting innovations to the packaging industry, including the Hybridsetter. A year later the company established the Bobst Certification Program to support die-makers at the local level to deliver the best possible tooling for Bobst machines.

‘The partnership with Cito-System is a new and crucial piece of the puzzle. While we have significant expertise in tooling, we want our partners to faster develop and promote die-making components in the market,’ said Raphaël Indermühle, head of sales and marketing of Bobst’s Business Unit Services. ‘Cito-System is one of the leading suppliers in this field. Now, with Bobst, our Certification Program, Boxplan, and Cito-System, we are fully equipped to drive innovation and standardization further and help pioneer the future of tooling and packaging production.’