Special-purpose machinery manufacturer Sonplas ensures the future of Sturm’s location in Salching
The company’s location, expertise, and jobs in the region are to be preserved
Sonplas, a special-purpose machine manufacturer based in Straubing, plans to acquire key parts of the surface technology division of the insolvent Sturm Maschinen- & Anlagenbau GmbH and continue operations under a newly established company. This company is set to become part of the Sonplas Group under the name Sturm Surface Technology GmbH. Final negotiations with the insolvency administrator are ongoing. The relevant contracts are expected to be signed next week. The transition of the company to the new entity will begin on April 1, 2026, and is scheduled to be completed by July 1, 2026. During this period, the necessary contracts with service providers and suppliers will be transferred, and agreements with customers regarding the continuation of projects will be finalized.
The division designs and manufactures machines, production systems, and custom solutions for thermal coating, painting technology, and the precise optical measurement and inspection of surfaces. For Sonplas, the acquisition represents a strategically important step toward the targeted expansion of its own portfolio in the field of surface and inspection technology.
The move is intended to preserve the Salching location and provide long-term prospects for 71 employees and 9 trainees. It will also help secure important know-how and established structures. An agreement has already been reached with the landlord regarding the continued use of the site.
For the family-run company Sonplas, the planned acquisition also sends a clear signal regarding the region’s status as a center of economic activity.
Michael Frankl and Christian Wachtmeister, managing directors of Sonplas, explain:
“We see a wealth of experience, extensive expertise, and a dedicated team in this business unit. Our goal is to provide the site and its employees with a reliable future and to develop the business sustainably. The fact that Sonplas’ shareholders and management made this decision unanimously underscores the strategic and long-term significance of this step. ”
A particular focus is also on existing customer relationships. Many partnerships have been in place for years. Sonplas and the future Sturm Surface Technology GmbH intend to continue and further strengthen these partnerships—as a technologically strong and reliable partner, fully in line with the company slogan “for your success.”
Dr. Hubert Ampferl, insolvency administrator for Sturm Maschinen- und Anlagenbau and Sturm Holding: “In economically challenging times, we were able to find an investor in Sonplas that meets all the conditions for successfully continuing operations. Sonplas enjoys an excellent reputation in Straubing and has many years of expertise in mechanical engineering. Operation will continue at the Salching site. For customers, Sonplas is a reliable partner that will drive the business forward with innovation. For employees, this solution means the long-term security of their jobs.”
