What Erlenbach does

Erlenbach GmbH is a German manufacturer of capital equipment for processing particle foams including EPS (expandable polystyrene), EPP (expanded polypropylene), E-TPU, copolymers, and biopolymers. Founded by Hans Erlenbach and headquartered in Lautert, Germany, the company sells moulding machines, block moulding machines, pre-expanders, silos, automation, recycling systems, and refurbishment services under brands including EMMotion, EMTower, EMBead, EMDynamic, EMHybrid, EMShuttle, and EMBase. Its core technological differentiator is a proprietary servo-electric drive combined with a knee-lever mechanism for shape moulding machines, which the company describes as a worldwide first and which enables precise positioning under 0.1mm and oil-free operation. Supporting technologies include quick-change tooling, the Dry Foaming infrared process co-developed with FOX Velution, EMPrePro foam pressure measurement, and the SMART.E AI-based process optimization platform. With over 7,600 to 7,800 machines delivered globally and more than 90% export share, Erlenbach serves enterprise manufacturers in construction (insulation, ICF blocks), packaging (fish boxes, electronics, food), automotive (bumpers, headrests, sun visors, crash elements), and industrial moulded parts (including sanitary applications at customers such as Geberit).

The company's revenue model rests on one-time hardware sales of high-ASP capital equipment (project-based, quote-by-quote with turnkey delivery), complemented by recurring service contracts (standardized under DIN 31051), paid remote maintenance, spare parts supply, and aftermarket refurbishment. The Experience Center in Lautert operates as both a pre-sales conversion tool and a recurring revenue stream (published rates of EUR 2,450 standard, EUR 1,900 promotional) via training, material test runs, and virtual sessions. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales with Key Account Managers handling projects from consultation through commissioning, supported by trade show participation at K-Show and PlastEurasia, plus regional distributors such as Ozhanmak for the Turkish market. End-customer evidence includes long-tenured relationships (60+ years with Wolters Europe, 30+ years with Tempra) and recent wins such as EFP's rollout across five US plants.

In October 2023, shareholders Silicium GmbH and Managing Director Thorsten Jacoby sold the Erlenbach Group to Austria's Hirsch Servo Group, creating a combined machine and mould construction platform of approximately 450 employees. Thorsten Jacoby remains Managing Director of Erlenbach GmbH. The company employs approximately 130 people and operates from a single Lautert headquarters that houses engineering, manufacturing, training, and spare parts operations.

Name

Erlenbach

Legal name

Erlenbach GmbH

Website

https://erlenbach.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1963

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Erlenbach GmbH, founded in 1957 and headquartered in Lautert, Germany, manufactures servo-electric and hydraulic capital equipment for EPS, EPP, E-TPU, and biopolymer particle foam processing, serving global enterprise customers in automotive, construction, packaging, and industrial moulded-parts sectors through direct field sales with over 90% export share and a 7,800+ installed base.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Foam Processing Machinery

NAICS

Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339), Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (333310), Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene) Manufacturing (32615)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550), Plastics Foam Products (3086)

akta.pro primary industry

Blow Molding & Thermoforming Packaging Equipment (Bottle/Tray Making) (IMALAOAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Polyurethane (PU) Flexible Foam Manufacturing (IMANAIAC), Foam Protective Packaging (EPS/EPE/EPP, PU, Molded Foam) (IMALAFAA)

Keywords

• Particle foam equipment
• EPS moulding machines
• EPP processing systems
• Foam forming machinery
• Industrial foam equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Lautert

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Capital Equipment Sales: Sale of moulding machines (EMMotion series, EMBase, EMHybrid, EMDynamic, EMShuttle), block moulding machines (EMTower), and pre-expanders (EMBead). Revenue is one-time, project-based, with sales cycles spanning consultation, design, manufacturing, and installation. Turnkey projects include the full plant setup from single machine to complete production lines.
2. Service Contracts and Maintenance: Standardized service contracts based on DIN 31051 for maintenance and inspection, as well as individually tailored service contracts. Includes worldwide customer service for installation, commissioning, and repair.
3. Technical Support and Remote Maintenance: Paid remote maintenance service billed in half-hour increments. Free technical hotline during business hours. Provides ongoing revenue from installed base.
4. Experience Center Rentals and Training: Rental of the Experience Center for test runs of new materials or applications. Training programs for customer employees on particle foam processing. One-time promotional pricing available (e.g., 1900 EUR instead of 2450 EUR).
5. Spare Parts Supply: Comprehensive spare parts warehouse at headquarters enables shortest delivery times for replacement components, ensuring high machine availability. Spare parts sold as consumables/aftermarket.
6. EMRefurbishment and Modernization: Individual solutions to overhaul, extend, or retrofit existing machines. Includes complete machine overhauls, retrofits, expansions, and modifications to extend machine lifecycle.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Erlenbach manufactures and supplies industrial capital equipment for particle foam (EPS, EPP, E-TPU, copolymers, biopolymers) processing, including shape moulding machines (EMMotion series, EMDynamic, EMHybrid, EMShuttle, EMBase), block moulding machines (EMTower), pre-expanders (EMBead), and supporting peripherals (EMHandling, EMCycle, EMSilo). The company also offers turnkey plant delivery, the Experience Center for testing/training, EMRefurbishment modernization services, and remote maintenance support to industrial manufacturers globally.

Product overview

Erlenbach is an innovation and technology leader in manufacturing machines and plants for EPS and EPP particle foam processing with over 60 years of experience. The product portfolio includes: EMBead pre-expanders for material expansion, EMMotion series (1.6, 2.5, 5.0) servo-electric shape moulding machines with unique knee-lever drive technology, EMDynamic and EMHybrid specialized moulding machines for large/complex parts, EMShuttle for insert applications, EMBase entry-level machines, and EMTower block moulding machines. Supporting equipment includes EMSilo storage systems, EMHandling automation, EMCycle recycling, and Druckbeladungsanlagen pressure loading systems. Services include the Experience Center for training/testing, EMRefurbishment for machine modernization, and technical support. Advanced technologies include Dry Foaming (steamless processing) and AI-enabled SMART.E optimization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EMMotion: Electrically driven servo form moulding machines with toggle lever system for processing particle foams (EPS, EPP, E-TPU, copolymers, biopolymers)
• EMTower
• EMBead
• EMDynamic
• EMHybrid
• EMShuttle
• EMBase
• EMCycle
• EMHandling
• EMRefurbishment
• EMPrePro
• E.HMI connect
• SMART.E
• Dry Foaming

Products and services

• EMMotion shape moulding machine family Servo-electric shape moulding machine family with unique knee-lever drive for processing particle foams (EPS, EPP, E-TPU, copolymers, biopolymers). Used by industrial manufacturers in packaging, automotive, and construction sectors.
• EMMotion 5.0 / 2.5 Flagship servo-electric shape moulding machines for EPP, E-TPU and copolymers processing. Max 5 bar or 2.5 bar processing pressure, fast tool change, 0.1mm position accuracy. For packaging, automotive, and building technology manufacturers.
• EMMotion 1.6 Servo-electric shape moulding machine for EPS processing. Max 1.6 bar pressure, dynamic servo-electric drive, knee-lever system, up to 25% more productivity and significant energy savings. For EPS packaging and component manufacturers.
• EMDynamic Pure electric shape moulding machine with all-electric drive and electric locking for large, deep, and complex moulded parts. Max 5 bar processing pressure, adaptive tool mounting with 300-880mm tool depth. For automotive and HVAC manufacturers.
• EMHybrid Hybrid drive shape moulding machine combining fast servo-electric drive with hydraulic locking for large and deep moulded parts. For construction and automotive manufacturers needing high tonnage and large part dimensions.
• EMShuttle Specialized shape moulding machine for manufacturing EPS and EPP parts with inserts. Features two-chamber system and internal separation device enabling simple and precise production of parts with embedded components. For manufacturers of complex insert parts.
• EMBase Entry-level shape moulding machine with reliable hydraulic drive for EPS processing. Available in three sizes with precise production results. Max 1.4 bar pressure. For EPS moulding production manufacturers.
• EMTower Block Moulding Machine Block moulding machine for EPS processing featuring individually configurable steaming flaps and four-sided steaming for homogeneous density, welding, and shortest cycle times. Designed for manufacturers producing EPS foam boards and blocks for insulation and construction applications.
• EMBead Pre-Expander Pre-expansion machine for efficient EPS and EPP processing that creates precise particle expansion as the first step in particle foam production. Features ESN10 bulk density control for consistent quality. For foam processing plants requiring reliable pre-expansion.
• EMHandling Automation System Process automation system for automated part removal, stacking, bundling, film insertion, and printing. Features 2-axis portal with lift station. Designed for manufacturers needing post-production automation for moulded foam parts.
• EMCycle Material Recycling System Material recycling system that shreds particle foam parts into fine granules, removes dust, and converts them into high-quality secondary raw material for mixing with fresh material. Designed for foam processors seeking circular economy and cost-efficient raw material use.
• EMSilo Storage and Pressure Loading Systems Flexible, breathable, antistatic fabric storage silos for intermediate storage of pre-foamed raw materials, with intelligent silo control for parallel operation and recipe management, plus pressure loading systems for optimal material preparation. For foam production plants.
• Experience Center Training and Testing Training and testing facility in Lautert for customer training, material development, null series production, and energy measurements. Equipped with EMMotion 2.5 and 5.0, EMBead ED2 HP, EMCycle ERA 500/600, tempering oven and vacuum system. Includes both in-person and virtual access. For manufacturers evaluating equipment before purchase.
• Dry Foaming Process Steamless particle foam processing technology using infrared. Enables processing of new materials and applications with reduced CO2 footprint, purely electric energy, and high resource efficiency. Developed in partnership with FOX Velution. For manufacturers seeking energy-efficient and waterless foam processing.
• Service Contracts and Customer Support Standardized service contracts based on DIN 31051 for maintenance and inspection, individually tailored service contracts, worldwide customer service for installation, commissioning, and repair. Includes paid remote maintenance billed in half-hour increments and free technical hotline. For owners of Erlenbach equipment worldwide.
• EMRefurbishment Machine Modernization Individual solutions to overhaul, extend, or retrofit existing Erlenbach machines. Includes complete machine overhauls, retrofits, expansions, and modifications to extend machine lifecycle. For owners of legacy Erlenbach equipment seeking modernization.
• Spare Parts Supply Comprehensive spare parts warehouse at the Lautert headquarters enabling shortest delivery times for replacement Erlenbach machine components. Sold as aftermarket consumables. For owners of installed Erlenbach equipment needing high machine availability.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30-second cycle time savings at ISL Schaumstoff-Technik
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HETechnology Group / Hirsch Servo GroupcoreOthers · 1 January 2023In 2023, shareholders Silicium GmbH and Thorsten Jacoby sold Erlenbach Group to Hirsch Servo Group (headquartered in Glanegg, Austria), creating a machine and mould construction group of about 450 employees. Thorsten Jacoby remains Managing Director of Erlenbach GmbH.
• OzhanmakminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2023Ozhanmak is Erlenbach's distribution partner for the PlastEurasia Istanbul trade show. Represented at Hall 8, Stand 819 at the 2023 exhibition.
• AIPEminorOthersAIPE is the Association for the Support and Promotion of EPS. Erlenbach is a member. The association supports and promotes EPS through different activities, serving as a reference point and information source for all market participants.
• IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen e.V. (airpop)minorOthersGerman trade association for plastics packaging industry with around 300 member companies. Erlenbach participates in airpop and EPP working groups within the association.
• EPS Industry AllianceminorOthersUS association representing EPS processing companies in North America. Erlenbach is a member, benefiting from technical information sharing and circular economy advocacy.
• EUMEPSminorOthersEuropean association and voice of European expanded polystyrene (EPS) manufacturers. Members cover the entire EPS value chain from raw material suppliers to processors and recyclers.
• EPP-Forum e.V.minorOthersEPP-Forum brings together members from raw material production, machine engineering, processing, design, and R&D across the EPP value chain. Members work toward interdisciplinary and cross-company networking to drive product and process innovation around EPP.
• VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau e.V.)minorOthersGerman Engineering Federation - Europe's largest industrial association with around 3,300 member companies. Represents interests of the capital goods industry toward political and social institutions.
• FOX VelutioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFOX Velution is Erlenbach's development partner for the Dry Particlefoam Process Equipment. Together they developed steamless particle foam processing technology using infrared, enabling processing without water, reduced CO2 footprint, and purely electric energy consumption.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Others

• BASF: Global chemical company and major supplier of EPS and other foam-grade raw materials. Adjacent rather than competitive: BASF supplies inputs to Erlenbach's processor customers and shapes demand cycles for particle foam equipment investment.
• Pregis: Global manufacturer of protective and food packaging including EPS and EPP foam-based solutions. Comparable in addressing end-user demand for foam packaging, automotive components, and insulation — making it both a potential Erlenbach customer and a downstream competitor for finished foam products.
• Sealed Air: Global packaging company with protective and food packaging product lines that overlap with EPS/EPP foam applications. Not a direct equipment competitor but a major downstream buyer and adjacent technology player in the same end-markets Erlenbach serves.

Direct peers

• Styrotech: US-based manufacturer of EPS and EPP shape moulding equipment, including pre-expanders and integrated foam production systems. Targets the same particle foam processor customer base as Erlenbach and competes directly for North American and global capex orders.
• Gabler Maschinenbau: German manufacturer of thermoforming and plastics processing equipment serving packaging and industrial customers. Comparable as a European specialty machinery peer competing for capital equipment budgets in adjacent foam and plastics processing applications.
• Kurtz Ersa: German-based manufacturer of particle foam (EPS/EPP/EPS) moulding machines, block moulders, and pre-expanders, with the broadest direct product overlap to Erlenbach's EMMotion, EMTower, and EMBead lines. Now part of the SencorpWhite group, making it the closest head-to-head competitor in foam processing equipment.
• Hennecke: German polyurethane foam processing equipment specialist offering moulding, metering, and complete PU foam plant technology. Comparable to Erlenbach in scale and customer profile, with overlap on E-TPU and copolymer foam applications and a shared European machinery heritage.
• Foam Equipment & Consulting Co. Smaller US competitor specializing in EPS and EPU shape moulding equipment, pre-expanders, and turnkey foam plants. Directly comparable niche player serving a similar particle foam processor customer base, though with a more limited product breadth and geographic reach than Erlenbach.

Broad incumbents

• SencorpWhite: US-based parent of Kurtz Ersa and Styrotech, offering a wider portfolio that includes thermoforming and plastics processing equipment alongside foam moulding. A broader incumbent whose foam divisions compete directly with Erlenbach while the rest of its portfolio extends well beyond particle foam.
• Lyle Industries: US manufacturer of thermoforming machinery and related plastics processing equipment with some foam processing capability. Comparable as a broader plastics equipment incumbent serving packaging and industrial customers that overlap with Erlenbach's end-markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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• Instagraminstagram.com/emerlenbach

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 Erlenbach