LWB Steinl

What LWB Steinl does

LWB Steinl (legally SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB GmbH) is a German manufacturer of injection molding machines, compression presses, and custom machinery for elastomer and thermoplastic processing, headquartered in Altdorf, Lower Bavaria, and founded in 1962. The company operates within the diversified Steinl Group alongside sister companies STG (metal carriers for automotive), LWB Automation (turnkey production systems), Drei Bond (sealing materials), URP (Chinese manufacturing), Biofibre, and Prodicon International. Its product portfolio spans six injection molding machine classes (VS, VR, VC, VP, H, Micro Class), compression presses, large-scale stator machines, batch-off units, and custom machines, supported by proprietary injection unit technologies (E, EFD, EFE, F, RS) differentiated by precision repeatability, FIFO/ALL-OUT architecture, and patented rapid cure processing that achieves up to 50% cure time reduction.

Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of configured machinery, supplemented by spare parts, training, process engineering, and maintenance services. The company operates a hybrid go-to-market combining direct enterprise field sales through wholly owned subsidiaries in Germany, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the Czech Republic, and China, together with a network of regional channel partners across Scandinavia, Iberia, the Balkans, Hungary, Turkey, and Russia. Primary customer segments are industrial manufacturers and the automotive industry, with secondary exposure to the rubber processing industry (including tire manufacturers and technical rubber goods producers). Approximately 75% of manufacturing is performed in-house, and the customer base spans more than 20 countries. In October 2025, Shibaura Machine Co. of Japan signed a definitive agreement to acquire LWB Steinl GmbH, following a strategic partnership formed in 2023.

Name

LWB Steinl

Legal name

SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB GmbH

Website

https://www.lwb-steinl.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

LWB Steinl is a German manufacturer founded in 1962 specializing in injection molding machines, presses, and custom machinery for elastomer and thermoplastic processing, serving industrial manufacturers and automotive suppliers globally through direct sales subsidiaries and regional distribution partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Injection Molding Machinery

NAICS

All Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (33399)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)

akta.pro primary industry

Filling & Dosing Machines (Liquid/Powder/Solid) (IMAHAOAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Spindles & High-Speed Drives (Machine Tool Spindles, High-speed Motors) (IMAGACAL)

Keywords

• Injection molding machines
• Elastomer processing equipment
• Rubber injection molding
• Compression presses
• Automated molding systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Altdorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Injection Molding Machines: Manufacture and sale of injection molding machines including VS, VR, VC, VP, H, and Micro Class models. Machines process elastomers and thermoplastics for various industrial applications.
2. Presses: Manufacture and sale of compression presses with high rigidity and large platen support for elastomer processing applications.
3. Custom/Special Machines: Custom-designed machines based on modular components for specific customer applications including stator machines for large pump stators, compression presses for large rubber mats.
4. Automation Systems: Turnkey production systems with comprehensive handling peripherals including process technology for forming, assembly and follow-up processes.
5. Spare Parts Supply: Worldwide supply of original LWB spare parts to ensure smooth process flow for customers.
6. Training Services: Operator training, tool setter training, application technology training, machine service and maintenance training, and control engineering training programs.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

LWB Steinl designs, manufactures, and services specialised injection moulding machines and compression presses for processing elastomers, liquid silicone, and thermoplastics. The product portfolio spans multiple machine classes (VS, VR, VC, VP, H, Micro), presses, stator and custom special machines, batch-off units, and turnkey automation cells, complemented by proprietary injection units (E, EFD, EFE, F, RS), the flexEVO control system, BSD servo-hydraulic drive, and global spare parts, training, maintenance, and process engineering services.

Product overview

LWB Steinl is a manufacturer of rubber and elastomer processing machinery offering a comprehensive portfolio of injection moulding machines (VS-CLASS, VR-CLASS, VC-CLASS, VP-CLASS, H-CLASS, MICRO CLASS), presses, stator machines, custom machines, and batch-off units. The product range includes specialized injection units (E, EFD, EFE, F, RS) for different processing requirements, advanced control systems (FLEX CONTROL/flexEVO), servo-hydraulic drive systems (BSD/Blue Servo Drive), and automation solutions. The company provides complete turnkey production systems with comprehensive services including customer support, training, spare parts supply, process engineering, and maintenance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LWB Automation: Modular, flexible automation services for forming, assembly and follow-up processes; delivers turnkey production units with comprehensive handling peripherals
• LWB France
• STG (Stanztechnik Gesellschaft)

Products and services

• VS-CLASS Injection Moulding Machine Standard vertical injection moulding machine combining improved ergonomic values with enhanced performance data. Features a space-saving 4-column design with variable daylight and large clamping stroke for elastomer and thermoplastic processing.
• VR-CLASS Injection Moulding Machine Universal injection moulding machine with high rigidity frame design and fully hydraulic clamping cylinders for optimum pressure distribution. Available in downstroking or upstroking versions for elastomer processing.
• VC-CLASS Injection Moulding Machine Tiebarless C-frame injection moulding machine offering enlarged mould loading areas for highly complex injection and press moulds, with optimum accessibility from three sides. Predestined for profile processing of elastomers and thermoplastics.
• VP-CLASS Injection Moulding Machine Specialised vacuum application machine with integrated vacuum chamber designed for evacuation across the entire mould area using bolted plate structure design. Targets moulding processes requiring vacuum environments.
• H-CLASS Horizontal Injection Moulding Machine Horizontal injection moulding machines available in traditional column version (HS) or with tiebarless C-frame clamping unit (HC). Designed for automated production with up to 6,300 kN clamping force for elastomer and thermoplastic parts.
• MICRO CLASS Injection Moulding Machine Compact micro-class injection moulding machines with 100 kN clamping force C-frame unit, available in vertical and horizontal designs. Designed for smallest volumes with highest repeatability in elastomer and thermoplastic micro-moulding.
• Compression Presses (PRESSEN) Compression presses featuring robustness, high stiffness, and large platen support. Particularly suited for compression presses with large tool dimensions for elastomer processing.
• Stator Machines (Large-Scale Pump Stators) Special machines for manufacturing pump stators with injection volumes exceeding 10 kg. Utilises large-volume FIFO plasticising and injection units for stators over 6 metres long.
• Custom Special Machines (SONDERMASCHINEN) Custom-designed special machines built on modular machine and application technology components for specific customer requirements and applications, including production cells for cylinder head gaskets and other specialised elastomer parts.
• Batch-Off Units (BATCH-OFF ANLAGEN) Equipment for mixing room cooling with standard and custom designs in all sizes. Includes complete batch-off units and retrofit installation equipment for existing facilities used in rubber processing.
• LWB Automation Turnkey Production Systems LWB Automation division providing modular, flexible automation services for forming, assembly, and follow-up processes. Delivers turnkey production units with comprehensive handling peripherals combined with presses and injection moulding machines.
• Customer Service and Technical Support Global technical service and support including service hotlines, remote service for fault analysis, and professional assistance worldwide through branch offices and agencies for installed LWB equipment.
• Training Services Individual and demand-driven training courses covering machine operation, process engineering, tool setting, application technology for elastomer and TPE/plastic materials, machine service and maintenance, and control engineering.
• Spare Parts Supply Worldwide supply of original LWB spare parts to ensure smooth process flow, with fast response and spare part delivery times accessible via online request form or email.
• Process Engineering Services Technical support for process optimisation and new applications, with a technology centre offering different machine types for testing with rubber and plastic materials.
• Maintenance Services Professional maintenance service providing quality made-in-Germany support worldwide at customer locations for long machine lifespan and excellent performance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cure time reduction of up to 50% with EFE injection technology
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and regional.

• SHIBAURA MACHINE (formerly TOSHIBA Machine)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership formed with SHIBAURA MACHINE to combine proven strengths for future growth and stability. The alliance secures both growth and stability. The partnership is described as a deliberate step to combine strengths, not a reaction to temporary developments. In 2025, Shibaura Machine entered a memorandum of understanding to acquire LWB Steinl GmbH shares.
• STG (Stanztechnik Gesellschaft)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company founded in 1962 by Alfred Steinl. Developer and manufacturer of metal carriers for automotive industry, also operating in technical products and specialist trade. Operates production sites in North America, Canada, China, Brazil, and Mexico to serve global automotive industry.
• LWB AutomationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Steinl Group providing modular, flexible automation services. Delivers turnkey production units with comprehensive handling peripherals including process technology combined with presses and injection molding machines.
• Drei Bond GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of LWB corporate group since 2013. Developer and producer of materials and metering systems for sealing engines and transmissions. Portfolio of high-performance adhesives and sealants with recognized systems supplier status to automotive industry.
• United Rubber & Plastic Machinery (URP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated near Beijing, manufactures machines specially developed for the Chinese market on 2,500 m² production area. REP sold its shares in the joint venture URP to LWB at the beginning of 2025, making URP a wholly-owned LWB operation.
• BiofibreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Steinl Group developing, producing and marketing natural fibre-reinforced bio-materials. Uses only renewable resources not in competition with food production. Headquarters in Altdorf.
• SAXE Hansen A/SregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland). Located at Walgerholm 17, DK-3500 Værløse, Denmark.
• LWB Service s.r.o.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorService company in Czech Republic providing highly qualified and experienced service technicians for Eastern Europe customers.
• Maquinaria Dicoplast S.L.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Spain and Portugal. Located at C/ Sabino Arana 8, 48390 Bedia Vizcaya, Spain.
• TEXTIMA Export Import GmbHregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Russia. Located at Frankfurter Allee 73 D, 10247 Berlin, Germany.
• Limas s.r.o.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Czech Republic and Slovakia. Located at Sehradice 217/5, 763 23 Sehradice, Czech Republic.
• KMS d.o.o.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia. Located at Mlakarjeva ulica 87, 4208 Sencur, Slovenia.
• TRI PROJECTregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo. Located at Jurija Gagarina 14 J II, 7, 11 000 Novi Beograd, Serbia.
• Addtech KftregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Hungary. Located at Állomás sétány 11, 2010 Dunakeszi, Hungary.
• Somplast Plastic Dis.Tc. Ve San. Ltd. Sti.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Turkey. Located at Piyale Pasa Bulvari Kastel Is Merkezi No. 26 C Blok Kat: 3, 34440 Kasimpasa – Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey.
• LWB FRANCEregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDirect sales and service presence in France. Contact: Ersin Cavus, F-17180 Perigny (La Rochelle), France.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Engel Austria: Austrian manufacturer of injection molding machines primarily for plastics, with some presence in rubber processing. A larger player with broader product portfolio serving automotive, packaging, technical molding, and other industrial applications where LWB Steinl also operates.
• ARBURG: German manufacturer of injection molding machines for plastics with a broader product portfolio than LWB Steinl. While focused primarily on thermoplastics, ARBURG competes for similar automotive and industrial customers in precision injection molding equipment, often at the high end of the market.
• Wittmann Battenfeld: Austrian manufacturer of injection molding machines and automation systems for plastics processing. A broader player with significant scale and a wide product range, competing for industrial customers in injection molding equipment and automation — areas where LWB Steinl also operates via LWB Automation.
• Sumitomo (SHI) Demag: German-Japanese manufacturer of injection molding machines for plastics, with global presence and large installed base. A broader incumbent competing in automotive and industrial applications where LWB Steinl also serves customers, particularly for high-precision and high-volume molding.
• Husky Injection Molding Systems: Canadian manufacturer of injection molding equipment, hot runners, and services, primarily for packaging, beverage, and consumer products. A larger player with global scale serving many of the same large industrial customers as LWB Steinl, though focused on different end markets within injection molding.
• KraussMaffei: German industrial machinery conglomerate manufacturing injection molding machines for plastics and rubber, plus extrusion and reaction process machinery. A broader incumbent with significantly larger scale and product portfolio than LWB Steinl, competing in overlapping elastomer and thermoplastic processing segments.

Direct peers

• REP International: French manufacturer of rubber and silicone injection molding machines, a direct competitor to LWB Steinl in the elastomer processing equipment market. Offers C-frame injection molding machines, presses, and turnkey systems for similar automotive and industrial rubber goods customers.
• Maplan: Austrian manufacturer of rubber injection molding machines and presses, directly competing with LWB Steinl in elastomer processing. Specializes in similar FIFO injection systems and serves comparable automotive, technical rubber, and footwear customers across Europe and globally.
• DESMA: German manufacturer of rubber injection molding machines, a direct competitor to LWB Steinl. Specializes in elastomer processing equipment with overlapping product offerings in vertical injection molding machines, presses, and turnkey production systems for the same automotive and technical rubber goods end markets.
• Sanyu (Japan): Japanese manufacturer of rubber injection molding machines, directly competing with LWB Steinl in elastomer processing equipment. Offers similar vertical and horizontal injection molding machines for automotive seals, industrial rubber goods, and similar applications across Asia.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about LWB Steinl