The partnership will harness the Siemens Xcelerator Marketplace a business platform that features digital transformation tools for a host of industries.   

The two companies plan to develop a new automation platform for virtual product configuration, using tools including Siemens’ Teamcenter product lifecycle management and digital twin tech, and NX software for product design and engineering.

Koenig & Bauer said it would further develop the manufacturer’s modular automation system, with increased flexibility that would “set new industry standards”.

CEO Dr Andreas Pleßke commented: “This partnership is an important step in sustainably strengthening our innovative capacity and market position.

“By combining our expertise with the technological know-how of Siemens, we’re creating synergies that will allow groundbreaking developments in mechanical engineering.”

Rainer Brehm, CEO of Factory Automation at Siemens, hailed the new partnership as proof of Siemens’ “dedication to spearheading the digital transformation in the machine industry”.

He said: “By combining Koenig & Bauer’s expertise in high-tech printing technology with the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, we’ll deliver comprehensive, flexible, and future-oriented solutions that meet the evolving demands of our customers.”

The two firms said that the collaboration would also involve the collection and evaluation of detailed machine data on the condition of machine components.

“This will ultimately increase flexibility, efficiency, and competitiveness for the printing press industry.”

Pictured above, left to right: Florian Stappenbeck, COO of Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed; Michael Thomas, senior vice president Factory Automation at Siemens; Marten van Rossum, head of machine builder systems at Siemens; and Christian Steinmaßl, group management board member at Koenig & Bauer.