The Krones Group, headquartered in Neutraubling, Germany, plans, develops and manufactures machines and complete lines for the fields of process, filling and packaging technology. The company’s product portfolio is rounded off by corporate capabilities in intralogistics, information technology, factory planning, and in-house valve manufacture. Every day, millions of bottles, cans, and special-shaped containers are handled on lines from Krones, particularly in breweries, the soft-drinks sector and at producers of still or sparkling wines and spirits, but also in the food and luxury-goods industries, plus the chemical, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Since being founded in 1951, Krones has become far more than a traditional-style machinery and line manufacturer: it has evolved into an all-round vendor for its clients. Mechanical engineering, line expertise, process engineering, microbiology and information technology have here been harmoniously integrated for optimum synergies. Nowadays, Krones is synonymous with holistic “systems engineering”.

Krones’ success is based on some few but crucial strategies: specialised knowledge of mechanical engineering and the customer sectors involved, a technical lead over its competitors driven by continuingly high expenditure on research and development, production facilities featuring state-of-the-art equipment operating to the most stringent of quality standards, backed up by worldwide 24/7 service support, and most especially by the skills of its highly motivated staff. More than 3,150 full and utility patents bear witness to the company’s innovative potential.

Worldwide, the group employs 12,285 people. About 90 per cent of the machines produced are sold abroad. Consolidated sales in 2013 totalled 2.816 billion euros. The group includes not only Krones AG (M-DAX), but also the subsidiary Kosme (machines for the low output range) and approximately 80 sales and service support companies.