MB Bäuerle, based in St Georgen in the Black Forest, filed for Germany’s self-administration insolvency proceedings on 17 June 2024, citing weak order intake over recent months.

“This resulted from general changes in the printing industry as a whole, the associated market consolidation, and investment restraint ahead of the Drupa world exhibition, which took place in Düsseldorf at the end of May after an eight-year break,” the firm said at the time.

Bäuerle pointed to significant interest at Drupa in one of its new developments, the world's first automated 10-pocket folding machine for pharmaceutical applications, which was presented as a joint project between MB Bäuerle and GUK-Falzmaschinen based in Wellendingen, Germany.

Now GUK Group has stepped in to save the business through an asset deal that allows MB Bäuerle to emerge from insolvency.

MB Bäuerle managing director Stefanie Glunk said the business could now look to the future with confidence: “We are relieved and can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that we have secured the future of our company and the jobs of our remaining employees.

“This was only possible through the close collaboration of all parties involved. We would like to thank our team, customers, and business partners for their patience and trust during this challenging time.”

GUK Group subsidiary MB-TecSolutions took over the operational business of MB Bäuerle on 1 February.

MB Bäuerle’s product range includes manual and automated folders, inserting systems and kit for perforating, creasing and folding along with associated peripheral equipment and software.

The firm’s UK distributor is Encore Machinery.

GUK’s product portfolio includes high performance folding machines, particularly for pharmaceutical applications, as well as feeding systems.

Friedheim International became GUK’s distributor for England, Wales and Scotland last year.