BOBST

BOBST is a Swiss industrial technology group that designs, manufactures, installs, and services equipment used to produce packaging and labels. Its systems process solid board, corrugated board, paper, plastic films, foils, and other flexible substrates into folding cartons, corrugated boxes, flexible packaging, labels, bags, adhesive tapes, and related products. The company serves packaging converters, printers, brand owners, and other industrial customers rather than selling directly to consumers. Its principal markets include folding carton, corrugated board, flexible packaging, labels, packaging for liquids, commercial print finishing, sack and bag production, decorative printing, and selected industrial applications. The business originated in Lausanne in 1890, when Joseph Bobst established a company supplying commercial printers. The Bobst trademark was registered in 1917, and the business was incorporated as J. Bobst & Fils SA in 1918. A major early turning point came with the development of the Autoplaten die-cutter, introduced in 1940. The technology established a long-term foundation in automated sheet processing and helped position the company in the converting machinery sector. BOBST subsequently expanded through sales offices, subsidiaries, production facilities, partnerships, and acquisitions across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Historically, the company operated through a portfolio of product and acquired-company brands. These included Martin, Schiavi, Rotomec, Titan, Atlas, General, Fischer & Krecke, and other specialized businesses. In 2012, the group consolidated its historically developed portfolio under the single BOBST brand. This unification was intended to make the company easier to understand globally while preserving specialized technologies and product expertise within a common commercial identity. BOBST organizes its activities around equipment and services for sheet-fed and web-fed production, together with a substantial service and performance business. Sheet-fed technologies support folding-carton and corrugated-board production, including printing, die-cutting, hot-foil stamping, folder-gluing, and litho-laminating. Web-fed technologies address flexible materials, labels, and web-fed carton applications, including gravure and flexographic printing, coating, laminating, metallizing, and web-fed converting. The service portfolio includes installation, maintenance, spare parts, machine upgrades, tooling, training, process optimization, remote assistance, and digital performance monitoring. In the 2020s, BOBST increasingly presented itself as a connected packaging technology company rather than solely a machinery manufacturer. Its strategic vision emphasizes connectivity, digitalization, automation, and sustainability. BOBST Connect links machine data and digital services with production management, workflow, maintenance, and optimization activities. The company has also expanded into software and data-enabled services through investments and partnerships, including its majority investment in Packitoo. Its digital and all-in-one platforms are designed to connect prepress, printing, converting, inspection, and service processes across the packaging value chain. Sustainability is another important part of BOBST's current positioning. The company promotes lower material waste, reduced energy use, improved process control, recyclable packaging structures, and higher production efficiency. Solutions such as oneBARRIER and connected quality-control systems are intended to help converters address packaging recyclability and operational performance simultaneously. BOBST also operates packaging centers and competence centers where customers can test equipment, workflows, substrates, and services. BOBST remains headquartered in Mex near Lausanne and operates internationally through production, sales, service, and technology locations. The group was publicly traded for decades after its 1978 listing, b…

BOBST traces its origins to 1890, when Joseph Bobst founded a business in Lausanne to supply commercial printers. The company initially operated as a local supplier, but it gradually developed into a manufacturer and international provider of machinery for printing and packaging production. The BOBST trademark was filed in 1917, followed by the incorporation of J. Bobst & Fils SA in 1918. Internationalization began before the Second World War. In 1936, the company opened its first sales office outside Switzerland in Paris. In 1938, production moved from Lausanne to a larger industrial site in Prilly. In 1940, BOBST introduced the Autoplaten die-cutter, an important technological milestone that established a durable presence in automated sheet processing. Folder-gluer development also became a long-term capability; the company states that it has designed and manufactured folder-gluer lines since 1942. The group expanded its North American and European presence during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1965, it acquired Champlain of Roseland, New Jersey, which later became Bobst North America, and created Bobst Italiana. Nihon Bobst was established in Japan in 1970, while Bobst Brazil created a Latin American base in 1974. A production site at Mex, near Lausanne, was added in 1977. In 1978, the company changed its name to Bobst SA and became listed on the Lausanne Stock Exchange. During the 1980s and 1990s, BOBST developed a broad network of subsidiaries, factories, and acquired businesses. Bobst Canada was created in 1979, a Brazilian factory opened in Mauá in 1980, and the group acquired Martin in France and Peters Maschinenfabrik in Germany in 1985. It later took a stake in Schiavi, established businesses in Benelux and Germany, and created regional organizations in Africa, the Middle East, Central Europe, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Poland, Mexico, and Russia. Production sites were opened or expanded in Brazil, China, and India. These moves reflected the global nature of the packaging machinery market and the need to provide local installation and service support. In 2000, BOBST acquired Fairfield Enterprises in the United Kingdom and reorganized distribution activities in the UK and Ireland. A subsequent legal restructuring in 2001 placed the group's holdings under Bobst Group SA. The early 2000s brought further production expansion and acquisitions, including Atlas, General, Midi, Rotomec, Titan, and a majority interest in Steuer GmbH Printing Technology. Rotomec, Schiavi, and Bobst Italia were later combined under Bobst Group Italia. Fischer & Krecke was acquired in 2008, strengthening the group's expertise in web-fed printing and converting. The global financial crisis exposed operational and structural pressures. In 2009, BOBST closed the FAG and Rapidex sites and appointed Jean-Pascal Bobst as chief executive officer on May 7. The group then introduced a transformation program, business-unit organization, and lean-production principles. A major consolidation project sought to concentrate Swiss operations at Mex and dispose of the former Prilly property. The company also sold Atlas Converting Equipment to its management and acquired a 65% stake in Gordon of Hong Kong in 2011. In 2012, BOBST consolidated its historically diverse brand portfolio under one global BOBST identity. The consolidated Mex site was officially opened in 2013. The group continued to develop partnerships, including a 2014 cooperation with Kodak, and in 2015 acquired Nuova Gidue, an Italian maker of inline flexographic presses and multi-process lines for labels and flexible packaging. Nuova Gidue became Bobst Firenze, while BOBST also completed the acquisition of the remaining shares of Gordon. The company entered a new phase focused on digital printing, connectivity, automation, and sustainability. In 2017, it created Mouvent to develop inkjet engines, inks, coatings, and software. In 2020, BOBST articulated a vision built around connectivity, digitalization, automation, and sustainability, with BOBST Connect at the center of its digital ecosystem. The group also acquired a 51% stake in CITO-SYSTEM, strengthening its tooling and packaging-process offering. In 2022, BOBST expanded its folder-gluer portfolio with NOVAFOLD and completed a major ownership change. JBF Finance SA launched a public tender offer for publicly held shares of Bobst Group SA. The shares were subsequently delisted from SIX Swiss Exchange on December 30, 2022, ending the company's period as a listed Swiss industrial group while leaving the operating business active under family ownership. The post-listing period has emphasized technology integration and the packaging value chain. In 2023, BOBST acquired 70% of Dücker Robotics, an Italian robotics supplier. In 2024, it invested in Packitoo, expanded its competence-center network, opened a new assembly hall in Pune, launched a new Korean production and research site for corrugated-board equipment, and showcased digital and sustainability technologies at drupa. BOBST continues to supply equipment across flexible packaging, labels, folding carton, and corrugated board while expanding lifecycle services, remote support, connected production, inspection, automation, and recyclable-material solutions.

1. 2026MASTERFOLD platform redesigned

   BOBST launched a redesigned MASTERFOLD range with increased automation, connectivity, safety, and setup efficiency.

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2. 2024Packitoo investment and partnership

   BOBST invested in Packitoo to advance digital sales, packaging-project management, and web-to-pack solutions.

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3. 2023Dücker Robotics investment

   BOBST acquired 70% of Dücker Robotics in Italy to strengthen robotics and automation capabilities.

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4. 2022NOVAFOLD introduced

   BOBST launched the NOVAFOLD folder-gluer family for folding-carton production.

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5. 2022Shares delisted from SIX Swiss Exchange

   The delisting became effective on December 30, 2022, following the public tender offer by JBF Finance SA.

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6. 2020BOBST Connect vision introduced

   BOBST articulated a strategic vision centered on connectivity, digitalization, automation, and sustainability.

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7. 2020Majority stake in CITO-SYSTEM acquired

   BOBST acquired a 51% participation in CITO-SYSTEM, a German packaging-process and tooling specialist.

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8. 2017Mouvent created

   BOBST created Mouvent to develop inkjet engines, clusters, inks, coatings, and software.

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9. 2015Nuova Gidue becomes Bobst Firenze

   BOBST acquired Nuova Gidue and renamed the business Bobst Firenze, expanding its label and flexible-packaging printing activities.

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10. 2013Mex consolidated site officially opens

    The consolidated Swiss production and operating site at Mex was officially opened.

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11. 2012Portfolio consolidated under the BOBST brand

    The group unified its historically accumulated brand portfolio under the single BOBST identity.

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12. 2009Jean-Pascal Bobst becomes CEO

    Jean-Pascal Bobst was appointed chief executive officer on May 7, and the group began a transformation program.

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13. 2008Fischer & Krecke acquired

    BOBST acquired Fischer & Krecke, expanding its web-fed printing and converting capabilities.

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14. 2004Major brand and technology acquisitions

    The group acquired or invested in Atlas, General, Midi, Rotomec, Titan, and Steuer-related activities.

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15. 2000Fairfield Enterprises acquired

    BOBST acquired Fairfield Enterprises in the United Kingdom and reorganized the associated UK and Ireland distribution activities.

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16. 1997New factories open in Brazil and China

    BOBST opened production facilities in Itatiba, Brazil, and Shanghai, China.

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17. 1985Martin and Peters acquisitions

    BOBST acquired Martin in France and Peters Maschinenfabrik in Germany, broadening its packaging-machinery portfolio.

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18. 1978Bobst SA becomes publicly listed

    The company changed its name to Bobst SA and was introduced to the Lausanne Stock Exchange.

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19. 1965North American and Italian expansion

    BOBST acquired Champlain in New Jersey and created Bobst Italiana.

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20. 1940Autoplaten die-cutter introduced

    BOBST introduced the Autoplaten, a foundational technology in automated die-cutting and sheet processing.

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21. 1936First foreign sales office opens in Paris

    BOBST opened its first sales office outside Switzerland in France.

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22. 1918J. Bobst & Fils SA incorporated

    The business was incorporated under the name J. Bobst & Fils SA.

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23. 1917BOBST trademark registered

    The BOBST trademark was filed, formalizing the identity that later became the group's global brand.

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24. 1890Joseph Bobst establishes the business in Lausanne

    Joseph Bobst founded the company in Lausanne to supply commercial printers.

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BOBST positions itself as a leading global technology partner for packaging and label manufacturers, combining high-performance converting machinery with automation, digital connectivity, workflow software, lifecycle services, and sustainability-oriented packaging solutions.

• Folder-gluersFolding carton and corrugated board converting1942

  BOBST folder-gluers form and glue printed or unprinted blanks into cartons and other folded packaging. The portfolio includes NOVAFOLD, VISIONFOLD, EXPERTFOLD, and MASTERFOLD families. Modular configurations support simple and complex box styles, short and long production runs, multiple substrates, and different levels of automation. Inline inspection and specialized devices can support crash-lock bottoms, complex carton geometries, pharmaceutical packaging, and high-speed production.

• Flatbed die-cuttersSheet-fed converting1940

  BOBST flatbed die-cutters cut, crease, emboss, strip, and otherwise prepare sheets for folding-carton and corrugated packaging. Current families include NOVACUT, VISIONCUT, EXPERTCUT, and MASTERCUT. The equipment is designed for high productivity, registration accuracy, automation, and integration with downstream stripping, blanking, inspection, and packaging operations.

• Printing pressesDigital, flexographic, and gravure printing

  BOBST supplies digital, inline flexographic, central-impression flexographic, post-print flexographic, and gravure presses for labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and corrugated board. Product families include DIGITAL MASTER, DIGITAL EXPERT, MASTERFLEX, EXPERTFLEX, MASTER CI, EXPERT CI, and VISION CI. The portfolio supports variable-data work, short and long runs, high-speed packaging production, and integration with converting processes.

• Substrate-processing equipmentCoating, laminating, extrusion coating, and vacuum metallizing

  BOBST substrate-processing technologies prepare films, foils, papers, and other flexible materials through vacuum metallizing, coating, extrusion coating, and laminating. The portfolio includes MASTER K5, EXPERT K5, VISION K5 HS, EXPERTCOAT, MASTERCOAT, EXPERTLAM, NOVALAM, VISIONLAM, MASTERLAM, and related lines. These systems are used in barrier films, decorative applications, flexible packaging, and recyclable-material structures.

• Hot-foil stamping equipmentPackaging decoration and finishing

  BOBST hot-foil stamping systems apply metallic foils and decorative effects to cartons, labels, and other printed substrates. NOVASTAR, EXPERTSTAR, MASTERSTAR, and related systems are aimed at high-quality packaging decoration, security features, brand differentiation, and premium finishes.

• BOBST ConnectDigital workflow and connected services2020

  BOBST Connect is a digital ecosystem that connects machine data, workflow tools, production insights, maintenance, process optimization, and customer services. It is designed to provide visibility into equipment performance, support remote assistance, connect prepress and production activities, and help converters improve uptime, quality, efficiency, and decision-making.

• oneBARRIERSustainable flexible-packaging solutions

  oneBARRIER is a BOBST portfolio of barrier-film and packaging solutions intended to support recyclable or simplified flexible-packaging structures. The range combines substrate-processing expertise with material science and partner technologies to address barrier performance, recyclability, and production efficiency.

• Quality and control systemsInspection and process control

  BOBST quality and control systems monitor registration, print consistency, carton conformity, and production defects. ACCUCHECK, ACCUBRAILLE, oneECG, oneINSPECTION, and related digital inspection tools are designed to reduce waste, prevent faulty packaging from reaching customers, and support zero-fault or high-conformity production objectives.

• 2024drupa 2024 technology showcase

  Worldwide

  At drupa 2024, BOBST showcased machinery, digital workflow tools, BOBST Connect, and sustainability-oriented technologies under its broader packaging-world vision.

  Outcome. The event supported BOBST's positioning around connected, automated, and sustainable packaging production, although the company reported that extraordinary drupa marketing expenses affected 2024 results.

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• 2024BOBST Connect Southeast Asia-Pacific launch

  Southeast Asia-Pacific

  BOBST introduced its connected digital platform to the Southeast Asia-Pacific market through a regional event involving customers, technology partners, and packaging-industry participants.

  Outcome. The launch expanded regional awareness and partner participation around BOBST Connect's open-architecture approach.

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• 2023oneBARRIER sustainability program

  Worldwide

  BOBST promoted oneBARRIER solutions and collaborative recyclable-packaging developments as part of its response to packaging sustainability challenges.

  Outcome. The oneBARRIER platform received industry recognition, including an award for oneBARRIER FibreCycle in the recyclable-packaging category at the Packaging Europe Sustainability Awards.

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• 2022BOBST Next

  Worldwide

  BOBST Next presents the group as a technology company shaping the future of packaging through smart, connected, automated, and more sustainable production systems.

  Outcome. The platform unified current messaging around technology leadership, digital services, sustainability, and customer performance.

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• 2020BOBST vision for the packaging world

  Worldwide

  BOBST introduced a strategic industry vision built around four themes: connectivity, digitalization, automation, and sustainability. The campaign framed the company as a partner across the packaging value chain rather than only an equipment supplier.

  Outcome. The vision became the strategic context for BOBST Connect, digital workflow initiatives, automation, and recyclable-packaging solutions.

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• 2015BOBST 125th anniversary

  Worldwide

  BOBST marked its 125th anniversary with communications emphasizing its long industrial history, technology development, international presence, and continuing investment in packaging machinery.

  Outcome. The anniversary reinforced BOBST's identity as a long-established global packaging-technology supplier.

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• 2026Redesign the MASTERFOLD platformGeneration change

  Corrugated converters required higher automation, shorter setup times, improved operator usability, and stronger data connectivity.

  What changed. BOBST launched a comprehensively redesigned MASTERFOLD range with SPHERE HMI, BOBST Connect integration, automated setup functions, and updated safety features.

  Aftermath. The new platform extended BOBST's connected and automated approach into high-end corrugated-board folding and gluing.

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• 2024Invest in Packitoo and deepen software capabilitiesM&A

  BOBST sought to connect the packaging value chain from brand owners and converters to prepress, quotations, production, and services.

  What changed. BOBST entered into a strategic partnership with and acquired a majority stake in Packitoo, whose HIPE software supports packaging quotations and web-to-pack processes.

  Aftermath. The investment expanded BOBST's software and digital workflow offering and supported its connected-packaging strategy.

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• 2024Expand BOBST Connect in Southeast Asia-PacificProduct launch

  BOBST Connect was being developed as an open-architecture platform for production data, workflow, service, and process optimization.

  What changed. BOBST launched the platform regionally through a customer and partner event in Southeast Asia-Pacific.

  Aftermath. The launch broadened the regional deployment of BOBST's connected-service ecosystem.

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• 2023Acquire a majority stake in Dücker RoboticsM&A

  Automation and robotics were becoming increasingly important to packaging productivity and integrated production lines.

  What changed. BOBST acquired 70% of Dücker Robotics, an Italian supplier of robotic systems.

  Aftermath. The transaction strengthened BOBST's automation capabilities and broadened its technology portfolio.

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• 2022Take Bobst Group private through a public tender offerM&A

  JBF Finance SA sought to acquire publicly held shares and remove the group from the public market.

  What changed. JBF Finance SA launched a public tender offer, followed by the delisting of Bobst Group shares from SIX Swiss Exchange on December 30, 2022.

  Aftermath. BOBST continued operating as an active family-owned Swiss industrial group without a SIX listing.

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• 2020Prioritize connectivity, digitalization, automation, and sustainabilityStrategy

  Packaging converters increasingly needed integrated workflows, higher automation, data-driven production, and more sustainable material solutions.

  What changed. BOBST made the four themes central to its industry vision and expanded BOBST Connect, digital services, automation, and recyclable-packaging initiatives.

  Aftermath. The strategy influenced product launches, software investments, service development, and customer-facing events.

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• 2012Consolidate the brand portfolio under BOBSTStrategy

  The group had accumulated numerous product and acquired-company brands across different packaging technologies and regions.

  What changed. BOBST unified the historically developed portfolio under the single BOBST brand.

  Aftermath. The common identity supported a more consistent global market position while retaining differentiated product families.

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• 1978List Bobst SA on the Lausanne Stock ExchangeOther

  After decades of development and international expansion, the company adopted the Bobst SA name and entered the public market.

  What changed. Bobst SA was introduced to the Lausanne Stock Exchange.

  Aftermath. The listing later continued through the SIX Swiss Exchange until the company was taken private in 2022.

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• 2026BOBST launches the next-generation MASTERFOLD platform

  BOBST introduced a comprehensively modernized MASTERFOLD range for corrugated-board folding and gluing, adding greater automation, digital connectivity, updated operator controls, and faster setup capabilities.

  Product launchProduct generation
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• 2024BOBST takes a majority stake in Packitoo

  BOBST entered into a strategic partnership with and invested in Packitoo, a French software company whose HIPE platform supports quotations, packaging projects, and web-to-pack commerce.

  M&A
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• 2024BOBST expands its global competence-center network

  The company opened a new competence center in Alpharetta, Georgia, focused on label and flexible-packaging technologies, supporting demonstrations, testing, and customer applications.

  Other
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• 2024BOBST opens a new assembly hall in Pune

  BOBST expanded its Pune, India, manufacturing footprint with a new 8,000-square-meter assembly hall.

  Other
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• 2024BOBST Connect expands in Southeast Asia-Pacific

  BOBST formally launched BOBST Connect in the Southeast Asia-Pacific market, presenting the platform as an open-architecture digital environment connecting prepress, production, optimization, maintenance, and market-access activities.

  Product launch
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• 2023BOBST acquires a majority stake in Dücker Robotics

  BOBST acquired 70% of Dücker Robotics, an Italian supplier of robotic systems, expanding its automation capabilities for packaging production.

  M&A
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• 2022BOBST shares delisted from SIX Swiss Exchange

  Following JBF Finance SA's public tender offer, Bobst Group's registered shares were delisted from SIX Swiss Exchange. The final trading day was December 29, 2022, and the delisting became effective on December 30, 2022.

  M&AOther
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• 2022BOBST introduces NOVAFOLD folder-gluers

  BOBST added NOVAFOLD to its folder-gluer portfolio for folding-carton production, complementing the VISIONFOLD, EXPERTFOLD, and MASTERFOLD families.

  Product launch
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• 2020BOBST and CITO-SYSTEM announce strategic investment

  BOBST acquired a 51% majority participation in CITO-SYSTEM, a German supplier associated with tooling and solutions for packaging production.

  M&A
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• 2017BOBST creates Mouvent inkjet technology venture

  BOBST established Mouvent in Switzerland to develop and produce inkjet printing engines, clusters, inks, coatings, software, and related digital-printing technologies.

  Product launch
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• 2014BOBST partners with Kodak on packaging solutions

  BOBST and Kodak announced a partnership to develop new products for the packaging industry, supporting the group's expansion into digitally enabled packaging production.

  Product launch
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• 2012BOBST launches a unified global brand

  The group consolidated its historically accumulated product and company brands under the single BOBST identity.

  Other
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1. Bobst (company)
2. BOBST Group Executive Committee
3. BOBST Milestones
4. BOBST Product Portfolio
5. BOBST Services and Digital Ecosystem
6. BOBST Investors: Shareholders
7. Delisting Bobst Group SA, Mex VD
8. BOBST and CITO-SYSTEM Strategic Investment
9. BOBST Packitoo Partnership and Investment
10. BOBST MASTERFOLD Platform Launch
11. BOBST Connect vision introduced
12. NOVAFOLD introduced
13. BOBST Next