SHIBAURA MACHINE and EPF Plastic sign a memorandum of understanding to explore a joint venture for Southern Europe

The fully electric injection molding machine series EC SXIII from SHIBAURA MACHINE impresses with versatility, high performance, and excellent energy efficiency. It offers maximum flexibility and is suitable for a wide range of injection molding applications – from automotive manufacturing to aerospace, packaging, and medical technology. The models cover clamping forces from 50 to 3,000 tons. (Image: SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB)

EPF AUTOMATION develops advanced solutions for industrial automation and the integration of artificial intelligence. (Image: EPF)

EPF Headquarters in Carrù (Italy) (Image: EPF)

SHIBAURA MACHINE CO. LTD. has signed a letter of intent with the Italian E.P.F. Elettrotecnica S.r.l. (EPF Plastic) to explore the formation of a joint venture. Both companies aim to expand sales and service of automated production cells and injection molding machines in Italy and Southern Europe. The planned partnership is part of the Japanese company's medium-term growth strategy and is intended to sustainably strengthen the company's position in Europe. The partners aim to sign the final agreements and complete the transaction by the end of 2026.

Demand for automated production solutions is increasing across Europe

"The demand for automated production solutions that combine injection molding machines, automation, and engineering into powerful overall concepts is rising. EPF Plastic has been a proven and trusted sales partner of SHIBAURA MACHINE's injection molding machines in Italy for 13 years. Additionally, the company brings extensive know-how in the development and integration of automated production lines for smart factories through EPF Automation," welcomes Dr. Georg Holzinger, Managing Executive Officer of SHIBAURA MACHINE and spokesperson for the management of SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB GmbH, the consideration of a joint venture.

As part of the planned partnership, the existing sales and service activities for injection molding machines of EPF Plastic will transfer to the planned joint venture, which will be based at EPF Plastic's current headquarters in Casei Gerola (PV, Italy). It will handle the sales and service of SHIBAURA MACHINE's injection molding machines in Southern Europe, in addition to Italy. At the same time, EPF Automation in Carrù (CN, Italy) plans to closely integrate its core areas of automation and engineering with the sales activities of the planned joint venture.

Deepening partnership and growth in Southern Europe

SHIBAURA MACHINE plans to hold around 60 percent of the shares, with EPF Plastic holding around 40 percent. "With this partnership, both companies want to deepen their long-standing collaboration and offer their customers more comprehensive solutions from a single source. At the same time, we are laying the foundation to expand our market presence in Italy and Southern Europe and to support our customers specifically in implementing modern, automated production solutions. The combination of SHIBAURA MACHINE's technological expertise with EPF Plastic's engineering know-how creates a strong basis for sustainable growth," explains Franco Filippi, CEO and Chairman of EPF.

The letter of intent sets the framework for further negotiations. The partners aim to sign the final agreements and complete the transaction by the end of 2026. The completion is subject to successful contractual negotiations.