Cannon Afros makes acquisition to broaden elastomer technology offerings

Milan, Italy – Polyurethane (PU) machinery maker Cannon Afros has acquired a 75.01% stake in Austria-based Polytec EMC Engineering from PUR Holding.

The acquisition aligns with the Cannon Group subsidiary's strategy to expand its expertise in PU elastomers, said the Italian company’s recent announcement.

The addition of low-pressure, multi-component PUR and BDO/amine/MOCA elastomer machines means that Cannon Afros' portfolio now covers "all elastomer applications.”

According to the statement, PUR Holding has retained a 24.99% shareholding in Polytec EMC to support the 'continued growth' of the supplier.

"In line with our growth strategy... we needed to reinforce our offering in the elastomer machinery market," said Marco Volpato, president of Cannon Group.

Acquiring a “top player” in the industry with complementary technology will help Cannon Afros achieve that goal, added Volpato.

Under the deal, all Polytec EMC employees will transfer to Cannon Group, with the acquired business operating as Cannon Polytec EMC.

Peter Stinshoff continues as managing director and Johannes Winkler as CTO of the company, which is to remain 'technically independent' at its Marchtrenk site in Austria.

Cannon Afros entered the elastomer machinery market about a decade ago, building on its urethanes processing expertise.

Post-acquisition, it will provide high-pressure machinery for high-volume elastomer part production as well as low-pressure casting equipment for applications such as rollers, scrapers, gears, and belt drives.

Polytec EMC is a particular specialist in hot-cast compact elastomer systems, used in industries such as steel, construction, and mechanical engineering.

Integration into Cannon will enable it to leverage the Italian group’s global network, offering expanded market access in North America and APAC regions.

“This is a perfect fit, combining Polytec EMC’s boutique expertise with Cannon’s global reach,” said Stefano Andreolli, Cannon Afros’ sales & marketing manager?.