Shibaura Machine agrees to acquire majority of LWB Steinl shares

The strategy will expand the companies' markets and aid in development of fully automated production cells.

Oct. 1, 2025

2 min read

Shigetomo Sakamoto, president of Shibaura Machine Group (left), and Peter Steinl, managing director of LWB Steinl GmbH, signed the Memorandum of Understanding in Tokyo.

Dr. Georg Holzinger is managing executive officer of Shibaura Machine and future CEO and president of Shibaura Machine LWB GmbH.

Shibaura Machine, a Tokyo-based manufacturer of injection molding technology, has entered a memorandum of understanding to acquire 80 percent of the shares of LWB Steinl GmbH, Altdorf, Germany.

The agreement includes an option for Shibaura to acquire the remaining shares in three years, which will lead to the formation of a new subsidiary, Shibaura Machine LWB, headquartered in Altdorf.

The partnership is intended to strengthen both companies’ capacity to develop fully automated production cells. The mechanical engineering and automation divisions of the Steinl Group will be integrated into the partnership. The companies will also leverage their complimentary sales networks to expand Shibaura’s European presence, and LWB’s in Asia and the U.S.

The brand names will be maintained, and no job cuts are planned, the companies said in a statement.

At K 2025, the companies will exhibit an automated production cell consisting of an LWB vertical injection molding machine and an industrial robot from Shibaura’s The SCARA series.

“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 Stein," said Georg Holzinger, managing executive officer of Shibaura Machine and future CEO and President of Shibaura Machine LWB.

By acquiring a majority stake in the mechanical engineering and automation division of LWB, the company aims to expand its portfolio of all-electric and hydraulic injection molding machines (IMMs) to include vertical IMMs and automation solutions.

“The plastics and rubber industry is currently undergoing profound change: machines are increasingly becoming commodity products. To remain competitive, companies must now position themselves strategically, maintaining high product quality while achieving cost efficiency. With Shibaura Machine we have found a strong partner who will help us to build a strong foundation — through more efficient manufacturing and expanded global sales presence," says Peter Steinl, managing director of LWB Steinl, who will continue to serve on the management board of the new company.