The Chinese market's pursuit of high quality is growing stronger, while Southeast Asia has emerged as an important hub for the global supply chain shift. These market changes present both opportunities and challenges to the plastics and rubber industry.

Recently, Rita Chu, Vice Chairman of Adsale Group, talked to Ren Xinting, General Manager of KraussMaffei China, on the latest market trends and KraussMaffei China’s development strategies.

Ren shared his valuable market insights and explained how KraussMaffei China is adapting to rapid market changes by leveraging its competitive advantages, exploring new “racetracks”, and building an industrial chain platform.

Rita Chu,

Vice Chairman of Adsale Group

Rita Chu pursued her studies at Northwestern University in the US, as well as London School of Economics in the UK. A certified accountant, she joined the Adsale Group in 2010 and became the Vice Chairman of the Group in 2019.

Ren Xinting,

General Manager of KraussMaffei China

Ren Xinting has served as General Manager of KraussMaffei China since 2023. With over 15 years of experience in the petrochemical industry, he has held positions at companies including Sinopec, China Coal Mengda New Energy Chemical.

Prior to joining KraussMaffei, Ren served as the General Manager of Shanxi China Coal Pingshuo Energy Chemical, bringing extensive management experience and industry expertise.

Chinese market: Pursuing high quality in a new era

Chu: The global market has undergone tremendous changes recently, leading to profound changes in the plastics industry. How do you view the current market environment, particularly in China and the rapidly developing Southeast Asian market?

Ren: From KraussMaffei's perspective, seizing opportunities in the Chinese market and the Asia-Pacific region is closely tied to the company’s overall strategy. In the context of a fluctuating global economy, both the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets are experiencing rapid growth. Over the past two years, the new energy vehicle sector has seen significant development, and the global supply chain has been reshaped. For a global enterprise like KraussMaffei, these changes present substantial opportunities.

KraussMaffei is unique in that it masters the three core technologies of injection molding, extrusion, and reaction process. These technologies are integral to new material applications, automotive manufacturing, and polymer material molding, giving the company a unique selling proposition in the industry.

In recent years, China has actively promoted high-quality development and introduced the concept of "new quality productivity". The essence of these initiatives is to meet the higher demands of end consumers, reflecting a growing emphasis on aesthetics and quality. This trend has created new market opportunities for us.

At KraussMaffei China, I have noticed a significant shift. In the past, customers primarily focused on price; but there is a greater emphasis on quality now. We must embrace this rapid change and respond to customers' increasing demand for high-quality products. KraussMaffei is committed to addressing customer needs, and this vision has enabled the company to gain a competitive edge in a turbulent market.

In fact, in 2024, our extrusion, injection molding, and reaction process businesses achieved notable growth in both overall volume and revenue from orders.

KraussMaffei precisionMolding all-electric injection molding machine series features high flexibility and high repeatability, making it suitable for various industry applications.

Southeast Asian market: Opportunities outweigh challenges

Chu: Southeast Asia is becoming an important investment hotspot and product export destination for the plastics industry. Will KraussMaffei intensify its efforts to expand in this region?

Ren: Southeast Asia has emerged as a crucial hub for global manufacturing shifts and regional economic integration. In recent years, it has shown remarkable growth in the industrial chain of the plastics industry, particularly in sectors such as automotive, packaging, and electronics, indicating significant growth potential.

KraussMaffei adopts a global perspective in its market strategies. As an emerging strategic market, Southeast Asia has drawn our considerable attention due to its long-term potential. Last May, the management of the Southeast Asian market was entrusted to KraussMaffei China. Over the past year, I have made several visits to Southeast Asia to conduct in-depth research on the local markets.

Currently, many Chinese enterprises are discussing “going global”, exporting to Southeast Asia, and engaging with its development. However, I believe the challenges are substantial.

One key challenge is that consumption patterns in Southeast Asia differ significantly from those in China and Europe. For instance, the Vietnamese market has little tolerance for low-priced, low-quality products, while the Indonesian market has different preferences. This market fragmentation necessitates more precise market strategies. Nonetheless, I believe that regardless of market differences, we must remain focused on delivering core customer value.

We have identified several key directions and achieved tangible results. Since last year, we have gained customer recognition and successfully secured orders in countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Overall, both China and Southeast Asia have dense populations with evolving consumption patterns and a greater emphasis on brands and quality. This trend presents significant market opportunities for us. In the context of the changes occurring in China and the Asia-Pacific region, I believe that the opportunities still outweigh the challenges.

Chu: I couldn't agree more. Analyzing the Southeast Asian market as a unified whole is quite challenging due to the distinct market ecologies of each country. In light of the changes in this region, does KraussMaffei China have corresponding strategic adjustments or plans?

Ren: KraussMaffei views the maturity of the Chinese market and the growth potential of the Southeast Asian market as complementary. Consequently, we adopt a differentiated strategic approach. In response to the needs of China's industrial upgrade, we continue to focus on high-end manufacturing, new energy sector, and other new racetracks. For Southeast Asia, our emphasis is on capacity expansion and technological empowerment.

Specifically, we have developed plans concerning supply chain layout, cross-border service collaboration, and other areas. For example, we are exploring ways to enhance cost efficiency and delivery times through local assembly or partnerships. Additionally, we aim to share the digital experiences from the Chinese market with our Southeast Asian customers.

New growth areas: Explore new racetracks

Chu: We recently visited several Korean cosmetics manufacturing enterprises. Many of them previously relied primarily on injection molding technology, but now they are looking to adopt other technologies to meet their production quantity and quality needs. This aligns with the market demand you've analyzed. Given that KraussMaffei masters three core technologies, which application sectors do the company focus on more? How do you explore new growth areas?

Ren: KraussMaffei operates across a wide range of application sectors. In addition to our extensive experience and technology in the automotive sector, we have actively expanded into other sectors including packaging, cosmetics, and medical sectors, while continuously exploring emerging application markets.

For instance, over the past year, we have secured a significant number of orders in the packaging sector. A domestic plastic pallet manufacturing company purchased many KraussMaffei machines last year, which piqued my curiosity. I asked them why they chose us despite the equipment is of higher quality, and I gained valuable insights. I discovered that on their production lines, our equipment excelled in efficiency, stability, and other performance metrics. Overall, the cost was actually the lowest when considering the value delivered, far surpassing many other brands' machines. This case exemplifies KraussMaffei's commitment to continuous innovation and the expansion of our technical boundaries.

The efficiency and stability of KraussMaffei equipment in packaging applications are outstanding. The image shows the plastic pallets produced.

Furthermore, while specific machines are generally recognized as dominant in medical applications, KraussMaffei equipment has demonstrated exceptional stability in the production of medical consumables and specialized components.

In the extrusion segment, the demand for special-material piping has surged over the past two years. For example, the demand for ultrapure water piping has increased significantly. Our pipe extrusion projects have experienced rapid growth since last year. Additionally, KraussMaffei has many exclusive technologies in LDPE and POE applications, which have significantly contributed to our growth. In the reaction process segment, we focus primarily on two areas: foaming and lightweighting.

In the automotive sector, end users have raised their expectations for the comfort of automotive seats. Statistics indicate that since 2023, KraussMaffei has captured a major share of the domestic market for automotive seat projects. In the Southeast Asian market, we successfully secured a project with APM, a well-known Malaysian automotive parts manufacturer.

With the rapid development of electric vehicles, there is a growing trend for plastic surfaces in automotive interiors and exteriors that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. KraussMaffei's ColorForm in-mold painting technology provides an efficient and sustainable "painting with protection" solution. This technology can process various textures and colors, meeting the increasing demands for design flexibility.

The interiors and exteriors manufactured using this technology feature high surface gloss, superior strength, and a self-healing function in the surface coating. Currently, this breakthrough technology has been successfully applied to the autonomous driving project of a globally recognized electric vehicle manufacturer and is set for mass production.

Chu: How does KraussMaffei view the growth potential of the new energy vehicle sector and the low-altitude economy? Will customized solutions be developed for these areas?

Ren: The new energy vehicle sector and the low-altitude economy are key growth areas that KraussMaffei is focused on. The demand for innovative materials and manufacturing technologies in these areas aligns closely with the company’s technological strengths. KraussMaffei always adheres to the strategy of "originating from Germany, thriving in China, empowering across the globe", combining rich global solutions and technological expertise with deep insights into the Chinese market and local innovation.

For example, the KraussMaffei China team successfully adapted HP-RTM (High-Pressure Resin Transfer Molding) technology, commonly used in manufacturing automobile frames in Europe, for producing battery casings of new energy vehicles. This approach offers significant advantages, including shorter production cycles, higher component strength, and improved sealing performance. Compared to traditional steel battery casings, composite material casings utilizing HP-RTM technology weigh 60% less.

KraussMaffei is also collaborating with partners to apply its lightweight solutions from the automotive sector to the low-altitude economy applications. Specifically, we are exploring the use of technologies such as HP-RTM and DCIM (Direct Compounding Injection Molding), which have been successfully implemented in automotive lightweighting, within the low-altitude economy sector.

The development potential of the low-altitude economy is enormous, and KraussMaffei is exploring relevant solutions, including lightweight technology for carbon fiber coverings of e-VTOL.

Innovative strategy: Build industrial chain platform

Chu: You mentioned that KraussMaffei's core technologies are closely related to multiple industries. How does the company integrate internal and external resources?

Ren: As I noted earlier, KraussMaffei specializes in three core technologies: injection molding, extrusion, and reaction processes. By leveraging these technologies, we can provide customers with efficient integrated solutions.

Whether we are focusing on the Chinese market or expanding into Southeast Asia, our strategy involves collaborating with our entire customer base and the industrial chain, as well as integrating equipment, materials, products, digitalization, automation, and integrated solutions.

At the same time, we prioritize high quality and innovation, striving to create added value for our customers. Our current focus is on building an industrial chain platform that fosters collaboration, enabling both us and our customers to grow together.

We maintain strong cooperative relationship with upstream petrochemical enterprises. Our plastics modification equipment is mainly used for high-end applications, and the resulting raw materials are supplied to our other customers for product manufacturing. This network covers the entire industrial chain, from upstream to downstream. We are committed to building a multi-dimensional industrial chain platform that promotes resource sharing and mutual growth.

Chu: According to my understanding, this is KraussMaffei's industrial chain ecosystem. I believe that in the current market, it is essential to provide targeted solutions for customers, prioritizing their needs rather than being solely technology-driven.

Ren: I believe that a company's success in the market depends on its capabilities and position, which are rooted in resources—not just strong financial backing or advanced technology.

An enterprise with comprehensive resources can navigate challenges steadily. However, if those resources are not sustainable or the ecosystem is insufficiently large, its ability to withstand risks will diminish. The enterprises that develop well and rapidly are those with comprehensive resources, allowing them to expand their ecosystems.

Businesses must be customer-oriented and adapt quickly to market changes. The current market evolves very rapidly; thus, keen market insight and technical expertise are essential in all our endeavors.

KraussMaffei possesses all these qualities. With a history of over 180 years, the company’s industrial chain is always positioned in the mid-to-high end level with steady development, and it keeps improving innovation capabilities. Moreover, we benefit from robust support from Sinochem Group and the trust of domestic enterprises, this gives our industrial chain resilience and competitiveness.

Digitalization: AI tools for enhancing performance and service

Chu: Nowadays, everyone talks about artificial intelligence (AI). What development strategies is KraussMaffei pursuing in this regard?

Ren: KraussMaffei has made significant investments in digitalization and AI tools. The company is committed to integrating intelligent technologies into equipment to enhance performance, enable predictive maintenance, and optimize production processes. For us, AI is integral to our future development. One key goal is to enhance customer service through AI tools.

I think that AI will not revolutionize the entire manufacturing industry, at least not in the short term, but it can accelerate the development of manufacturing. AI will not replace the manufacturing industry; rather, it will take over certain cognitive tasks. It is a tool for us.

KraussMaffei’s objective is to leverage AI as an effective tool to better serve customers and help them quickly adapt to changes in the market and technology.

KraussMaffei is rapidly developing the digitalization of its equipment to optimize production processes and enhance customer service.

Chu: CHINAPLAS 2025 is approaching. What innovative technologies will KraussMaffei showcase this year?

Ren: At CHINAPLAS last year, KraussMaffei highlighted its latest innovations in three key areas: injection molding, extrusion, and reaction process. These included high-performance extruder, composite material solutions, and additive manufacturing technologies.

As a leader in industrial innovation, each of KraussMaffei's appearances at CHINAPLAS is highly anticipated. This year, we will continue to focus on these three core technologies and present even more innovative solutions, bringing more surprises and possibilities to the industry.

KraussMaffei Group

Pioneering Plastics

KraussMaffei Machinery (China) Co., Ltd.

KraussMaffei is one of the world's leading manufacturers of machines and systems for producing and processing plastics and rubber. With a history of over 180 years, the company provides solutions covering all technologies in injection molding, extrusion, and reaction process.

The technology originating from Germany, along with a century of inheritance and development, have made KraussMaffei stand out in the global market. The company’s product and technology portfolio serves a wide range of applications, including automotive, packaging, medical, construction, electrical and electronic, and home appliance manufacturing.

Employing around 4,000 people worldwide, KraussMaffei’s global network comprises 30 subsidiaries, 15 production bases, and around 570 trade and service partners. Since its foundation in 1838, KraussMaffei's has been headquartered in Munich.

In 2016, KraussMaffei joined China National Chemical Equipment Co. Ltd. In 2021, Sinochem and ChemChina undertook a joint restructuring, and KraussMaffei officially became an overseas enterprise under Sinochem Holdings.

Booth：12J41

The Chinese market's pursuit of high quality is growing stronger, while Southeast Asia has emerged as an important hub for the global supply chain shift. These market changes present both opportunities and challenges to the plastics and rubber industry.

Recently, Rita Chu, Vice Chairman of Adsale Group, talked to Ren Xinting, General Manager of KraussMaffei China, on the latest market trends and KraussMaffei China’s development strategies.

Ren shared his valuable market insights and explained how KraussMaffei China is adapting to rapid market changes by leveraging its competitive advantages, exploring new “racetracks”, and building an industrial chain platform.

Rita Chu,

Vice Chairman of Adsale Group

Rita Chu pursued her studies at Northwestern University in the US, as well as London School of Economics in the UK. A certified accountant, she joined the Adsale Group in 2010 and became the Vice Chairman of the Group in 2019.

Ren Xinting,

General Manager of KraussMaffei China

Ren Xinting has served as General Manager of KraussMaffei China since 2023. With over 15 years of experience in the petrochemical industry, he has held positions at companies including Sinopec, China Coal Mengda New Energy Chemical.

Prior to joining KraussMaffei, Ren served as the General Manager of Shanxi China Coal Pingshuo Energy Chemical, bringing extensive management experience and industry expertise.

Chinese market: Pursuing high quality in a new era

Chu: The global market has undergone tremendous changes recently, leading to profound changes in the plastics industry. How do you view the current market environment, particularly in China and the rapidly developing Southeast Asian market?

Ren: From KraussMaffei's perspective, seizing opportunities in the Chinese market and the Asia-Pacific region is closely tied to the company’s overall strategy. In the context of a fluctuating global economy, both the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets are experiencing rapid growth. Over the past two years, the new energy vehicle sector has seen significant development, and the global supply chain has been reshaped. For a global enterprise like KraussMaffei, these changes present substantial opportunities.

KraussMaffei is unique in that it masters the three core technologies of injection molding, extrusion, and reaction process. These technologies are integral to new material applications, automotive manufacturing, and polymer material molding, giving the company a unique selling proposition in the industry.

In recent years, China has actively promoted high-quality development and introduced the concept of "new quality productivity". The essence of these initiatives is to meet the higher demands of end consumers, reflecting a growing emphasis on aesthetics and quality. This trend has created new market opportunities for us.

At KraussMaffei China, I have noticed a significant shift. In the past, customers primarily focused on price; but there is a greater emphasis on quality now. We must embrace this rapid change and respond to customers' increasing demand for high-quality products. KraussMaffei is committed to addressing customer needs, and this vision has enabled the company to gain a competitive edge in a turbulent market.

In fact, in 2024, our extrusion, injection molding, and reaction process businesses achieved notable growth in both overall volume and revenue from orders.

KraussMaffei precisionMolding all-electric injection molding machine series features high flexibility and high repeatability, making it suitable for various industry applications.

Southeast Asian market: Opportunities outweigh challenges

Chu: Southeast Asia is becoming an important investment hotspot and product export destination for the plastics industry. Will KraussMaffei intensify its efforts to expand in this region?

Ren: Southeast Asia has emerged as a crucial hub for global manufacturing shifts and regional economic integration. In recent years, it has shown remarkable growth in the industrial chain of the plastics industry, particularly in sectors such as automotive, packaging, and electronics, indicating significant growth potential.

KraussMaffei adopts a global perspective in its market strategies. As an emerging strategic market, Southeast Asia has drawn our considerable attention due to its long-term potential. Last May, the management of the Southeast Asian market was entrusted to KraussMaffei China. Over the past year, I have made several visits to Southeast Asia to conduct in-depth research on the local markets.

Currently, many Chinese enterprises are discussing “going global”, exporting to Southeast Asia, and engaging with its development. However, I believe the challenges are substantial.

One key challenge is that consumption patterns in Southeast Asia differ significantly from those in China and Europe. For instance, the Vietnamese market has little tolerance for low-priced, low-quality products, while the Indonesian market has different preferences. This market fragmentation necessitates more precise market strategies. Nonetheless, I believe that regardless of market differences, we must remain focused on delivering core customer value.

We have identified several key directions and achieved tangible results. Since last year, we have gained customer recognition and successfully secured orders in countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Overall, both China and Southeast Asia have dense populations with evolving consumption patterns and a greater emphasis on brands and quality. This trend presents significant market opportunities for us. In the context of the changes occurring in China and the Asia-Pacific region, I believe that the opportunities still outweigh the challenges.

Chu: I couldn't agree more. Analyzing the Southeast Asian market as a unified whole is quite challenging due to the distinct market ecologies of each country. In light of the changes in this region, does KraussMaffei China have corresponding strategic adjustments or plans?

Ren: KraussMaffei views the maturity of the Chinese market and the growth potential of the Southeast Asian market as complementary. Consequently, we adopt a differentiated strategic approach. In response to the needs of China's industrial upgrade, we continue to focus on high-end manufacturing, new energy sector, and other new racetracks. For Southeast Asia, our emphasis is on capacity expansion and technological empowerment.

Specifically, we have developed plans concerning supply chain layout, cross-border service collaboration, and other areas. For example, we are exploring ways to enhance cost efficiency and delivery times through local assembly or partnerships. Additionally, we aim to share the digital experiences from the Chinese market with our Southeast Asian customers.

New growth areas: Explore new racetracks

Chu: We recently visited several Korean cosmetics manufacturing enterprises. Many of them previously relied primarily on injection molding technology, but now they are looking to adopt other technologies to meet their production quantity and quality needs. This aligns with the market demand you've analyzed. Given that KraussMaffei masters three core technologies, which application sectors do the company focus on more? How do you explore new growth areas?

Ren: KraussMaffei operates across a wide range of application sectors. In addition to our extensive experience and technology in the automotive sector, we have actively expanded into other sectors including packaging, cosmetics, and medical sectors, while continuously exploring emerging application markets.

For instance, over the past year, we have secured a significant number of orders in the packaging sector. A domestic plastic pallet manufacturing company purchased many KraussMaffei machines last year, which piqued my curiosity. I asked them why they chose us despite the equipment is of higher quality, and I gained valuable insights. I discovered that on their production lines, our equipment excelled in efficiency, stability, and other performance metrics. Overall, the cost was actually the lowest when considering the value delivered, far surpassing many other brands' machines. This case exemplifies KraussMaffei's commitment to continuous innovation and the expansion of our technical boundaries.

The efficiency and stability of KraussMaffei equipment in packaging applications are outstanding. The image shows the plastic pallets produced.

Furthermore, while specific machines are generally recognized as dominant in medical applications, KraussMaffei equipment has demonstrated exceptional stability in the production of medical consumables and specialized components.

In the extrusion segment, the demand for special-material piping has surged over the past two years. For example, the demand for ultrapure water piping has increased significantly. Our pipe extrusion projects have experienced rapid growth since last year. Additionally, KraussMaffei has many exclusive technologies in LDPE and POE applications, which have significantly contributed to our growth. In the reaction process segment, we focus primarily on two areas: foaming and lightweighting.

In the automotive sector, end users have raised their expectations for the comfort of automotive seats. Statistics indicate that since 2023, KraussMaffei has captured a major share of the domestic market for automotive seat projects. In the Southeast Asian market, we successfully secured a project with APM, a well-known Malaysian automotive parts manufacturer.

With the rapid development of electric vehicles, there is a growing trend for plastic surfaces in automotive interiors and exteriors that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. KraussMaffei's ColorForm in-mold painting technology provides an efficient and sustainable "painting with protection" solution. This technology can process various textures and colors, meeting the increasing demands for design flexibility.

The interiors and exteriors manufactured using this technology feature high surface gloss, superior strength, and a self-healing function in the surface coating. Currently, this breakthrough technology has been successfully applied to the autonomous driving project of a globally recognized electric vehicle manufacturer and is set for mass production.

Chu: How does KraussMaffei view the growth potential of the new energy vehicle sector and the low-altitude economy? Will customized solutions be developed for these areas?

Ren: The new energy vehicle sector and the low-altitude economy are key growth areas that KraussMaffei is focused on. The demand for innovative materials and manufacturing technologies in these areas aligns closely with the company’s technological strengths. KraussMaffei always adheres to the strategy of "originating from Germany, thriving in China, empowering across the globe", combining rich global solutions and technological expertise with deep insights into the Chinese market and local innovation.

For example, the KraussMaffei China team successfully adapted HP-RTM (High-Pressure Resin Transfer Molding) technology, commonly used in manufacturing automobile frames in Europe, for producing battery casings of new energy vehicles. This approach offers significant advantages, including shorter production cycles, higher component strength, and improved sealing performance. Compared to traditional steel battery casings, composite material casings utilizing HP-RTM technology weigh 60% less.

KraussMaffei is also collaborating with partners to apply its lightweight solutions from the automotive sector to the low-altitude economy applications. Specifically, we are exploring the use of technologies such as HP-RTM and DCIM (Direct Compounding Injection Molding), which have been successfully implemented in automotive lightweighting, within the low-altitude economy sector.

The development potential of the low-altitude economy is enormous, and KraussMaffei is exploring relevant solutions, including lightweight technology for carbon fiber coverings of e-VTOL.

Innovative strategy: Build industrial chain platform

Chu: You mentioned that KraussMaffei's core technologies are closely related to multiple industries. How does the company integrate internal and external resources?

Ren: As I noted earlier, KraussMaffei specializes in three core technologies: injection molding, extrusion, and reaction processes. By leveraging these technologies, we can provide customers with efficient integrated solutions.

Whether we are focusing on the Chinese market or expanding into Southeast Asia, our strategy involves collaborating with our entire customer base and the industrial chain, as well as integrating equipment, materials, products, digitalization, automation, and integrated solutions.

At the same time, we prioritize high quality and innovation, striving to create added value for our customers. Our current focus is on building an industrial chain platform that fosters collaboration, enabling both us and our customers to grow together.

We maintain strong cooperative relationship with upstream petrochemical enterprises. Our plastics modification equipment is mainly used for high-end applications, and the resulting raw materials are supplied to our other customers for product manufacturing. This network covers the entire industrial chain, from upstream to downstream. We are committed to building a multi-dimensional industrial chain platform that promotes resource sharing and mutual growth.

Chu: According to my understanding, this is KraussMaffei's industrial chain ecosystem. I believe that in the current market, it is essential to provide targeted solutions for customers, prioritizing their needs rather than being solely technology-driven.

Ren: I believe that a company's success in the market depends on its capabilities and position, which are rooted in resources—not just strong financial backing or advanced technology.

An enterprise with comprehensive resources can navigate challenges steadily. However, if those resources are not sustainable or the ecosystem is insufficiently large, its ability to withstand risks will diminish. The enterprises that develop well and rapidly are those with comprehensive resources, allowing them to expand their ecosystems.

Businesses must be customer-oriented and adapt quickly to market changes. The current market evolves very rapidly; thus, keen market insight and technical expertise are essential in all our endeavors.

KraussMaffei possesses all these qualities. With a history of over 180 years, the company’s industrial chain is always positioned in the mid-to-high end level with steady development, and it keeps improving innovation capabilities. Moreover, we benefit from robust support from Sinochem Group and the trust of domestic enterprises, this gives our industrial chain resilience and competitiveness.

Digitalization: AI tools for enhancing performance and service

Chu: Nowadays, everyone talks about artificial intelligence (AI). What development strategies is KraussMaffei pursuing in this regard?

Ren: KraussMaffei has made significant investments in digitalization and AI tools. The company is committed to integrating intelligent technologies into equipment to enhance performance, enable predictive maintenance, and optimize production processes. For us, AI is integral to our future development. One key goal is to enhance customer service through AI tools.

I think that AI will not revolutionize the entire manufacturing industry, at least not in the short term, but it can accelerate the development of manufacturing. AI will not replace the manufacturing industry; rather, it will take over certain cognitive tasks. It is a tool for us.

KraussMaffei’s objective is to leverage AI as an effective tool to better serve customers and help them quickly adapt to changes in the market and technology.

KraussMaffei is rapidly developing the digitalization of its equipment to optimize production processes and enhance customer service.

Chu: CHINAPLAS 2025 is approaching. What innovative technologies will KraussMaffei showcase this year?

Ren: At CHINAPLAS last year, KraussMaffei highlighted its latest innovations in three key areas: injection molding, extrusion, and reaction process. These included high-performance extruder, composite material solutions, and additive manufacturing technologies.

As a leader in industrial innovation, each of KraussMaffei's appearances at CHINAPLAS is highly anticipated. This year, we will continue to focus on these three core technologies and present even more innovative solutions, bringing more surprises and possibilities to the industry.

KraussMaffei Group

Pioneering Plastics

KraussMaffei Machinery (China) Co., Ltd.

KraussMaffei is one of the world's leading manufacturers of machines and systems for producing and processing plastics and rubber. With a history of over 180 years, the company provides solutions covering all technologies in injection molding, extrusion, and reaction process.

The technology originating from Germany, along with a century of inheritance and development, have made KraussMaffei stand out in the global market. The company’s product and technology portfolio serves a wide range of applications, including automotive, packaging, medical, construction, electrical and electronic, and home appliance manufacturing.

Employing around 4,000 people worldwide, KraussMaffei’s global network comprises 30 subsidiaries, 15 production bases, and around 570 trade and service partners. Since its foundation in 1838, KraussMaffei's has been headquartered in Munich.

In 2016, KraussMaffei joined China National Chemical Equipment Co. Ltd. In 2021, Sinochem and ChemChina undertook a joint restructuring, and KraussMaffei officially became an overseas enterprise under Sinochem Holdings.

Booth：12J41