Battenfeld Blasformtechnik GmbH (PO Box 1164, D-53821 Troisdorf) now holds, with effect from January 1, 1994, a 48 percent interest in the firm of W. Müller GmbH, likewise based in Troisdorf-Spich. Subject to approval from the Cartel Office in Berlin, Battenfeld plans to take over the company completely by 1995. W. Müller GmbH currently employs around 45 people. The management will still be independent and will remain in the hands of Claus Grund (Sales) and Heinz Brühl (Engineering). Willi Müller will remain at the company's disposal in an advisory capacity over the next few years.

W. Müller GmbH complements the Battenfeld range of blow moulding machines with its long-stroke blow moulding machines for the production of plastics bottles or canisters, its two-station machines for 20 and 30 litre canisters, its hydraulic diagonal tie-bar machines with separate finishing stations and its special machines for the manufacture of industrial parts in plastic. Whilst the two companies used to cooperate in selling blow moulding machines many years ago, they will now be able to exploit more fully the synergistic effects of cooperation in administration, material management and product development. The products manufactured by W. Müller GmbH will be marketed through Battenfeld Blasformtechnik's worldwide sales and service network. For reasons of flexibility there are no plans to merge the production facilities of the two companies.

This alliance excludes any participation by Battenfeld in the firm of W. Müller KG, manufacturer of parison dies, though here, too, cooperation in the sales field has been negotiated.