Extrusion International 6-2025

22 Extrusion International 6/2025 INDUSTRY NEWS 280 Years of Material Handling Leadership Coperion celebrates a remarkable series of anniversa- ries this year that highlight its long-standing commitment to innovation, expertise, and customer success. The com- pany’s material handling business inWeingarten, Germa- ny, and its feeder and conveying manufacturing facility in Niederlenz, Switzerland, both reach an impressive 125 years of operation, while Coperion Ideal in Noida, India, marks its 30th anniversary. Together, these milestones total an extraordinary 280 years of combined experience, know-how, and dedication to advancing the industry. For 125 years, Coperion’s material handling business in Weingarten, Germany, has been a recognized leader in thebulkmaterial handlingmarkets. Likemany companies at the turn of the last century, Coperion’s predecessor Waeschle initially ventured into the food industry, specializing in pneumatic conveying of grain and our. It was only with the rise of plastics in the 1950s that new opportunities emerged, expanding the company’s horizons. Today Coperion’s portfolio extends beyond its historical roots to include ex- tensive process know-how and expertise in handling over 20,000 bulk materials and various methods for their ef cient conveying, homogenizing, separating, heating and cooling methods. Plant engi- neering and design for large petrochemi- cal installations as well as turnkey systems for the compounding industry are at the core of the company. Another key aspect of the company’s offerings is the design and manufacture of essential components such as rota- ry valves, diverter valves, and slide-gate valves, tailored for various industries. Complementing these products are Coperion’s process knowledge, engineering excel- lence, and project management capabilities, which al- low the company’s experts to develop and deliver state- of-the-art bulk material handling systems for clients worldwide. Coperion K-Tron in Nie- derlenz, Switzerland, was established around the same time as Coperion Weingarten, also in the bakery industry, originally manufacturing grain mill- ing equipment under the name J. Soder Company. Over the past 125 years, the company expanded its ex- pertise and product portfo- lio and has consistently set industry standards in feed- ing technology, pioneering numerous advances and playing a signi cant role in the development of mate- rial handling and weighing systems. Today, Coperion K-Tron is renowned for providing sophisticated, state-of- the-art process equipment across a variety of industries andapplications. Its innovative know-how is re ected not only in its advanced feeding and pneumatic conveying components but also in comprehensive material handling systems tailored to meet diverse customer needs worldwide. Coperion K-Tron’s history is dis- tinguished by numerous industry rsts, including the development of the rst volumetric feeder in the early 20th century, the introduction of the rst twin screw feeder in the 1950s, the creation of highly accurate digi- tal weighing technology in the 1970s, and the launch of the revolutionary SmartConnex control system in 2003, among other innovations. These milestones have helped shape the feeding technology industry and have Historical and new diverter valves for bulk material handling. Photo: Coperion, Weingarten/Germany Coperion K-Tron Twin Screw Feeder 1966 and today. Photo: Coperion K-Tron, Niederlenz, Switzerland