(l-r) WHC President Andrew Wheeler; Brad Humboldt, new president of Addex; and
Addex co-founders Bob Cree and Rick von Kraus. Source: WHC

North America unit of German machine builder acquires leading supplier of cooling technology for blown film.  

By Jim Callari
Editorial Director, Plastics Technology

Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corp. (WHC) has acquired Addex, a supplier of blown film extrusion equipment with a special emphasis on bubble-cooling technology. Terms of the deal, which became effective Aug. 1, were not disclosed.

Addex was founded in 1989 by Bob Cree and Rick von Kraus. Addex will continue to operate independently under its existing name, maintaining its product lines and customer relationships, with a focus on the U.S. and Canadian markets, according to a release issued by WHC. Brad Humbolt, who served as sales director of corporate accounts at WHC, has assumed the role of president. Cree, the previous president, has transitioned into a newly created role as director of special projects.

“I am extremely pleased to entrust my company to Windmoeller & Hoelscher, with whom I’ve had a wonderful relationship for years,” says Cree. “This acquisition represents our succession plan and gives me complete confidence that the business that Rick and I built will continue to flourish well into the future. I look forward to working with Brad.”

Under Cree’s leadership, Addex has over the last few years developed several innovative cooling systems for blown film. These include the External Gauge Control air ring for blown film applications utilizing rotating dies; and the output boosting Short Stack cooling unit, a device that is positioned directly under the air ring and sits flat on the die.

“This acquisition reflects Bob’s trust in Windmoeller & Hoelscher,” adds Andrew Wheeler, WHC president. “[We] have enjoyed a long relationship, and their capabilities are highly complementary to our growing retrofit business. We have great respect for Bob and the technologies Addex has developed.”

Humbolt has more than 15 years of experience in the flexible packaging industry, having held leadership roles in sales, operations, engineering, and capital management. He holds a BS in Plastics Engineering & Technology and an MBA.