(Tokyo, Altdorf, July 7, 2026) SHIBAURA MACHINE CO., LTD. and Italian E.P.F. Elettrotecnica S.r.l. (EPF Plastic) have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the establishment 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 designed to strengthen the company’s position in Europe in the long term. The partners aim to sign the final agreements and complete the transaction by the end of 2026.
Demand for automated production solutions is growing across Europe
“Demand is growing for automated production solutions that combine injection molding machines, automation, and engineering in high-performance, integrated systems. For 13 years, EPF Plastic has been a proven and trusted sales partner for SHIBAURA MACHINE injection molding machines in Italy. Through EPF Automation, the company also offers extensive expertise in developing and integrating automated production lines for smart factories,” says Dr. Georg Holzinger, Managing Executive Officer of SHIBAURA MACHINE as well as Managing Director and Chair of the Management Board of SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB GmbH, as he welcomes plans for a joint venture.
As part of the planned partnership, EPF Plastic’s existing sales and service activities for injection molding machines are to be transferred to the planned joint venture, which will be headquartered at EPF Plastic’s current headquarters in Casei Gerola (PV, Italy). In addition to Italy, the joint venture will take over the sales and service of SHIBAURA MACHINE’s injection molding machines across Southern Europe. At the same time, EPF Automation in Carrù (CN, Italy) plans to closely align its core areas of automation and engineering with the sales activities of the planned joint venture.
Strengthening the Partnership and Expanding in Southern Europe
SHIBAURA MACHINE plans to hold approximately a 60 percent stake, while EPF Plastic will have approximately 40 percent. “The partnership strengthens our long-standing collaboration and enables us to offer customers more comprehensive, one-stop solutions. At the same time, we are paving the way to expand our market presence in Italy and Southern Europe. We aim to support our customers with up-to-date automated production solutions. By combining SHIBAURA MACHINE’s technological expertise with EPF Plastic’s engineering skills, we create a solid foundation for sustainable growth,” says Franco Filippi, CEO and Chairman of EPF.
The letter of intent sets the stage for further negotiations. Both partners plan to finalize agreements and complete the transaction by the end of 2026, pending successful contract discussions.
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