As per 1 November 2007, Sapal SA, a company of the Bosch division Packaging Technology, is purchasing assets of Kimaco SA. The transaction involves the purchase of assets such as tangible assets and IP rights for the production of various types of machinery for the processed cheese segment. Also, Sapal will offer places of employment for 18 associates from Kimaco. It has been agreed that the purchase price will not be disclosed.

Kimaco is based in Ecublens, Switzerland, and specializes in the manufacture of packaging machines for the dairy industry. The company is among the leading providers for the preparation, cooking, sterilization, conditioning and packaging of processed cheese.

"By this purchase, we are expanding our portfolio and extending our global market presence in the processed cheese segment", said Jacques Ochs, General Manager of Bosch’s subsidiary Sapal.

Sapal is one of the world’s most experienced companies in food packaging technology. As one of the leaders in the high-speed machine segment of packaging line for processed cheese portions, Sapal consolidates its position in the mid-speed machine segment with the Kustner-KIMA coming in addition to the brand-new Sapal-machine Albatros. With the Kustner-KF high-speed machine, Sapal is enlarging its product portfolio for the production of individually wrapped slices.

In purchasing assets of Kimaco, Sapal also benefits from the most recent development involving high-speed filling and labeling machines for the processed cheese packaging industry allowing the use of alternative and recyclable OPP film (made from polypropylene) instead of the standard aluminum foil.

Bosch Packaging Technology, based in Waiblingen (Germany), is one of the leading suppliers of holistic systems for packaging and process technology. The Packaging Technology division develops, produces and distributes modules and systems for the pharmaceutical, confectionery and cosmetics industries, as well as other food and non-food industries in 13 countries worldwide. In 2006, 4°233 employees achieved a turnover of approximately 572 million euros.