Bobst Group

What Bobst Group does

Bobst Group SA is a Swiss, family-owned industrial group founded in 1890 and headquartered in Lausanne, with publicly traded shares on the SWX under the ticker BOBNN. The company designs, manufactures, and services substrate processing, printing, and converting equipment for four core packaging end-markets: labels, flexible packaging, folding carton, and corrugated board. Its product portfolio spans digital and inline flexo presses (DIGITAL MASTER series, MASTER M5/M6, MASTER CI), gravure presses (MASTER 6003, LEMANIC DELTA), flatbed die-cutters (MASTERCUT 165 PER), flexo folder-gluers, coating and vacuum metallization systems, hot-foil stamping presses, and robotic loading/palletizing solutions acquired from Dücker Robotics in 2023. Differentiated technology offerings include the oneBARRIER family of mono-material recyclable solutions (PrimeCycle certified at 98% recyclability, FibreCycle for fibre-based alternatives), the BOBST Connect digital platform for equipment connectivity and cloud-based quality reporting, and automation modules such as SmartSet, SmartGPS, PosiLock, Rapidset, and iMA that materially reduce setup time and substrate waste.

Bobst monetizes its offering primarily through direct enterprise sales of capital equipment under custom multi-year contracts, with no public list pricing, supplemented by a significant recurring revenue stream from spare parts, maintenance, upgrades, machine remanufacturing, and digital services. Aftermarket services alone are stated to represent 37% of the $18 billion US converting equipment market. The go-to-market model combines a global direct sales force and Field Service Technicians with 13 regional packaging competence and demo centers spanning Europe, North America, Latin America, China, India, and other markets, and is amplified by major industry events (Interpack, FESPA, Labelexpo). Customers are industrial packaging converters serving downstream verticals including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, e-commerce, and industrial goods. The company employs 5,001–10,000 people, works with over 5,500 suppliers, and pursues strategic co-development partnerships (e.g., with UPM Specialty Materials, Michelman, LEONHARD KURZ, and AV Flexologic) to validate reference workflows around its equipment, with sustainability (SBTi-validated targets, three consecutive EcoVadis Silver Medals) embedded as a core commercial pillar in response to EU packaging regulation.

Name

Bobst Group

Legal name

Bobst Group SA

Website

https://bobst.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1890

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Bobst Group is a Swiss, family-owned manufacturer of substrate processing, printing, and converting equipment serving the label, flexible packaging, folding carton, and corrugated board industries through direct enterprise sales, a global network of 13 demo centers, and an aftermarket services business for industrial packaging converters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Printing and Packaging Machinery

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560), Paper Mills (2621)

akta.pro primary industry

Folding Carton & Paperboard Packaging Printing (IMALAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Folding Carton Board (FBB) Manufacturing (IMAMAFAH)

Keywords

• Packaging machinery manufacturing
• Printing equipment supplier
• Flexible packaging production
• Label production equipment
• Corrugated packaging machinery

Headquarters

HQ city

Little Switzerland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Equipment and machinery sales: Bobst generates primary revenue through the sale of printing and converting equipment including flexo presses, gravure printers, digital printers, die-cutters, folder-gluers, and coating/laminating machines. The company offers equipment across multiple tiers (VISION, EXPERT, MASTER) targeting different market segments from standard to high-performance applications.
2. Aftermarket services and parts: Recurring revenue from spare parts, wear parts, consumables, maintenance services, upgrades, machine remanufacturing, and relocation services. Bobst reported aftermarket services representing 37% of the $18 billion US market for converting equipment, indicating significant recurring revenue streams from the installed base.
3. Digital services and BOBST Connect: Digital solutions including BOBST Connect platform for equipment monitoring, performance management, and cloud-based reporting. These digital services enhance the equipment offering and create ongoing customer engagement.
4. Tooling: Specialized tooling including die-cutting tools, printing plates, and related equipment accessories for Bobst machines.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Bobst Group is a world-leading supplier of substrate processing, printing, and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton, and corrugated board industries. The company manufactures flexo, gravure, and digital printing presses, die-cutters, folder-gluers, coaters, laminators, vacuum metallizers, and robotic automation systems, complemented by aftermarket services, spare parts, maintenance, upgrades, and the BOBST Connect digital platform.

Product overview

Bobst Group is a world-leading supplier of substrate processing, printing, and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton, and corrugated board industries. The company offers an extensive portfolio organized across multiple product categories: Digital & All-in-One printing (DIGITAL MASTER series), Inline Flexo printing (MASTER M5/M6), CI Flexo printing (MASTER CI), Gravure printing (MASTER 6003, LEMANIC DELTA), Flatbed die-cutting (MASTERCUT series), Flexo post-printing (MASTERFLEX HD+), Coating (MASTERCOAT series), Vacuum metallization (MASTER K5), Hot foil stamping (MASTERFOIL), and inline production lines (MASTERLINE, VISIONFFG). The portfolio also includes robotic automation solutions (ROBOLOADER, ROBOPALLETIZER) acquired through Dücker Robotics, and the BOBST Connect digital platform for data connectivity and production optimization. Services include spare parts, maintenance, upgrades, machine remanufacturing, and digital solutions through BOBST Connect. The company operates across multiple industry verticals including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and e-commerce packaging.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BOBST Connect: Digital data and services platform with machine insights and expertise built-in for production process orchestration and optimization.
• MyBOBST

Products and services

• MASTER M5 Inline flexo printing press for label production, configurable to respond to applications demanded by brand owners.
• MASTER M6 Inline flexo printing press for label production with advanced automation features.
• MASTER CI Central impression (CI) flexo printing press for flexible packaging with high print quality and efficiency.
• MASTER CI 90SIX Central impression flexo press with 90six technology for enhanced printing performance.
• DIGITAL MASTER 55 Digital and All-in-One printing solution for labels and packaging production.
• DIGITAL MASTER 340 Digital and All-in-One printing solution for labels and packaging production.
• DIGITAL MASTER 510 Digital and All-in-One printing solution for high-volume labels and packaging production.
• MASTER 6003 Gravure printing press for high-quality flexible packaging printing.
• LEMANIC DELTA Gravure printing and converting line combining printing and converting in one production line.
• MASTERCUT 165 PER High-speed flatbed die-cutter for corrugated board production with integrated automation features enabling die-cut tool changes in under 2 minutes.
• MASTERFLEX HD+ Flexo post-printing press for corrugated board with high productivity and quality.
• MASTERCOAT 8000 High-performance coating system for substrate processing.
• MASTER K5 Vacuum metallization system for metallized film production in flexible packaging.
• MASTERFOIL 106 PR High-performance hot foil stamping and die-cutting press for decorative finishing.
• MASTERLINE FFG Complete inline production line combining flexo printing with folding-gluing for corrugated board.
• VISIONFFG Efficient full-line solution for standard RSC converting with Rapidset system, speeds up to 18,000 boxes per hour.
• oneBARRIER Family of mono-material recyclable solutions including PrimeCycle (polymer-based) and FibreCycle (fibre-based) for sustainable flexible packaging.
• ACCUCHECK Inline quality inspection system for zero-fault production on folding-gluing lines.
• ROBOPALLETIZER Automated palletizing solutions including DC, FFG, and FG variants for end-of-line automation in corrugated board production.
• ROBOLOADER Automated loading and feeding robots for corrugated board production lines, including FG, FFG, and DC variants.
• SPEEDPAL Fully automated palletizer for flexo printing and rotary die-cutting lines, handling high speeds with electrical breakers and layer arrangement.
• BOBST Connect Digital data platform that brings data and digital services together in one fully connected platform with machine insights and expertise built-in, enabling overview and orchestration of the production process.

Quantifiable outcome

• Energy consumption reduced by up to 20% on flatbed die-cutters
• +10 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature14 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Avery DennisoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2026Co-hosted open house event with Bobst and LOC España for label industry professionals in Spain, demonstrating label production capabilities.
• Apex InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Co-organized Flexo Forward conference in Ahmedabad, India (June 5, 2026) with Miraclon, Bobst, and Polymount. Event gathered 200+ package printers, converters, brand representatives, and technology providers.
• MiraclonminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Co-organized Flexo Forward conference with Bobst, Apex International, and Polymount. Presented 'Champions of Modern Flexo' initiative showcasing successful flexo conversions including UFlex case study.
• PolymountminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Co-organized Flexo Forward conference in Ahmedabad along with Apex International, Miraclon, and Bobst.
• ReifenhäusercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2026Partner for Interpack 2026 coordination. Bobst hosting exclusive yacht event with Reifenhäuser and joint sample demonstrations at the event.
• UPM Specialty MaterialscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2026Collaboration to develop two validated paper-based packaging concepts compliant with EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. Combines UPM's fiber materials with Bobst's coating line expertise and Michelman's bio-based coatings. Sample structures showcased at Interpack 2026.
• MichelmancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2026Three-way collaboration with UPM and Bobst developing bio-based coating solutions for paper packaging. Targets moisture, mineral oil, and oxygen barrier performance for food packaging applications.
• PackitoocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 April 2026Packitoo is a subsidiary (part of BOBST Group) providing AI applications for packaging converters. CEO Thomas Othax presenting at FESPA 2026 Corrugated Conference on CPQ systems and AI agents for commercial execution.
• LEONHARD KURZcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 202620-year partnership strengthened with installation of Bobst NOVAFOIL 106 H hot-stamping machine at Kurz's Application Technology Department in Fürth, Germany. Enables testing of transfer products under production-grade conditions and harmonized product development.
• Dücker RoboticscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Acquired majority share in 2023; world leader in robots for loading and palletizing in corrugated board sector. Enables complete automated packaging production lines from loading to palletizing.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen: German manufacturer of printing presses and post-press equipment serving packaging and commercial print. Overlaps with BOBST in folding-carton and label-sheet printing equipment, and competes head-to-head for global converter customers.
• Koenig & Bauer: German printing press manufacturer with a strong packaging portfolio including folding-carton, corrugated, and flexible-packaging presses. Directly comparable to BOBST in equipment categories and converter customer base.
• Comexi: Spanish manufacturer of flexo presses, laminators, slitters, and converting equipment for flexible packaging. Closest head-to-head competitor to BOBST in the CI flexo and flexible-packaging converting segment.
• Nilpeter: Danish manufacturer of flexo and digital label printing presses. Competes directly with BOBST's MASTER M5/M6 and DIGITAL MASTER label presses for the same label converter customers.
• Mark Andy: US-based manufacturer of flexo and hybrid label presses. Competes with BOBST in narrow-web label printing equipment, particularly with mid-tier converters in North America and Europe.
• Nordmeccanica: Italian manufacturer of laminating and coating machinery for flexible packaging. Directly comparable to BOBST's coating, laminating, and extrusion-coating product lines serving the same flexible-packaging converters.
• BHS Corrugated: German manufacturer of corrugators and corrugated-board converting equipment. Competes with BOBST in the corrugated-board segment alongside Flexo folder-gluers and rotary die-cutters.
• Fosber: Italian-based supplier of corrugated machinery including corrugators and flexo folder-gluers (now part of Barry-Wehmiller). Overlaps with BOBST in corrugated-board production equipment sold to global sheet plants and integrated mills.
• Winkler + Dünnebier (W+D): German manufacturer of envelope-making, mailing, and folding-carton converting equipment. Competes with BOBST in folding-carton and specialty converting lines sold to commercial printers and packaging converters.

Broad incumbents

• Barry-Wehmiller (BW Papersystems / BW Converting): US-based industrial conglomerate with a packaging-machinery portfolio spanning sheeters, folder-gluers, and converting lines. Overlaps with BOBST in folding carton and corrugated converting equipment but as part of a broader industrial holding.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@bobstgroup
• Facebookfacebook.com/BOBSTGroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bobst
• Instagraminstagram.com/bobstgroup

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A3 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bobst Group