ST. LOUIS, Mo., USA – Barry-Wehmiller Cos., Inc., capital equipment and engineering solutions leader, acquired the Bielomatik paper processing product line from Bielomatik Leuze GmbH + Co. KG. Bielomatik operations will be integrated within BW Papersystems, a global supplier to the paper and board sheeting, paper converting, and corrugating industries. The sale became final Oct. 1.

Bielomatik’s paper processing line business is Barry-Wehmiller’s 78th acquisition. Its integration within BW Papersystems’ German operations will create a $430 million global group serving the paper and corrugating industry. With this newest addition, Barry-Wehmiller’s revenues will approach $2.4 billion as it expands worldwide.

Bielomatik’s paper processing product line includes machinery for sheeting, book production, spiral binding and ream wrapping as well as finishing equipment for digital printing.

"The acquisition of the Bielomatik paper processing line business provides BW Papersystems with an exciting opportunity to build an even stronger, sustainable global sheeter, packaging, and stationery business,” said Neal McConnellogue, president of BW Papersystems. “We are grateful to add 150 new team members whose knowledge, talent and proven legacy will benefit BW Papersystems.”

BW Papersystems is a combination of four companies: MarquipWardUnited, the newly named WillPemcoBielomatik (formed of Will-Pemco and the newly acquired Bielomatik paper division), Kugler-Womako and Curioni, plus the well- known brands of SHM and Wrapmatic.

Bielomatik is globally known for its paper processing equipment to sheet and wrap folio and cut-size material from small to large formats and from fine paper to board. The range includes complete solutions for exercise books and writing pads in schools and business around the world. Its Book on Demand (BoD) binding line offers fully automatic production of high quality books in short runs down to a quantity of one. Bielomatik will bring new technology to BW Papersystems with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. RFID is used for Smart Labels and Smart Tags to track and trace luxury products, contact-less ticketing in public transportation and other authentication purposes.

The addition of Bielomatik further enhances BW Papersystems’ global engineering collaboration and ability to provide comprehensive process knowledge and expertise in fine paper and board converting for its installations around the world. As with all Barry-Wehmiller companies, BW Papersystems offers a lasting commitment to its customers with a high focus on delivering world-class spare parts, upgrades and service packages to customers.

With this addition, BW Papersystems now employs more than 1,600 people throughout their international operations. As a whole, Barry-Wehmiller has more than 11,000 team members among 100 locations worldwide.

“We are pleased to bring our people-centric leadership practices to our new Bielomatik team members and look forward to working alongside them in creating long-term value for all of our stakeholders,” said Bob Chapman, Barry-Wehmiller chairman and CEO.