Stolle is the foremost provider of machinery for manufacturing two-piece cans and can ends in the canmaking sector globally. Renowned for their high-speed capabilities, Stolle’s machines serve as the cornerstone of canmaking operations worldwide, renowned for their demonstrated productivity and unwavering reliability.
Offering comprehensive solutions at every scale, whether individual machines, line modules, or swift service with OEM parts, to the conception, construction, and initiation of entire facilities, Stolle’s technical expertise ensures clients consistently receive equipment featuring cutting-edge engineering advancements and enhancements. Canmakers globally rely on Stolle to bolster their productivity and profitability with many acknowledging the company’s unwavering support.
A Legacy Of Innovation, Vision, And Value
Stolle Machinery takes its name from Ralph J. Stolle, the founder of the predecessor company, The Stolle Corporation, established in Sidney, Ohio, in 1961. Mr. Stolle notably refined the high-speed production method for easy-open (pop-top) beverage ends, alongside other significant technical accomplishments. He also established a business philosophy that has steered the company through more than six decades. This philosophy is straightforward: to develop and deliver the most dependable solutions and cutting-edge technologies to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of metal, particularly aluminium, packaging for their customers.
The utilization of aluminium in can manufacturing was a paramount development for several reasons. Firstly, aluminium is exceptionally lightweight, contributing to reduced transportation costs and energy consumption. Secondly, its corrosion-resistant properties ensure prolonged shelf life and product integrity. Thirdly, aluminium’s recyclability makes it an environmentally sustainable choice, with recycled aluminium requiring significantly less energy for production compared to virgin aluminium. Additionally, aluminium’s malleability allows for intricate designs and easy shaping, enhancing branding opportunities. Lastly, aluminium cans are impermeable to light and oxygen, safeguarding the contents from deterioration, thereby preserving flavour and freshness.
Powered by innovation and guided by experience, Stolle has maintained it’s leading position in technology by delivering high-speed, precise, and safe packaging solutions. Such solutions that promote the brand experience through sustainability, colour, shape, texture, and ease of use and by “Serving the world” by being seen as a local provider in each market.
“Along with the principles of good business and service, the values of the group are simple but applicable and festooned within the company’s core,” says Michael Larson, Chief Operations Officer for Stolle, “Safety, quality, sustainability, technology and customer happiness.”
Leadership
Over the last six decades it has been seen repeatedly that good leadership makes all the difference and often what makes or breaks a brand is who is out front. At the centre of their roadmap for the next century is how to find the right people for the job and provide them the right tools.
Now, at the heart of the company is the Stolle management team who offer a collective experience reaching across both industry and globe. From previous experience in managing global relationships, technology, and finance, they are well positioned to help continue the leadership of Stolle internally as well as internationally. With a focus on technology and a dedication to continuing Stolle’s globalization, each team member brings an invaluable perspective to the company. These experiences blend seamlessly into a vision for the future that include the highest levels of customer satisfaction and the development of revolutionary new technologies that will advance the industry.
Industry Leadership
As their yellow “wave of innovation” has indicated for years, Stolle is committed to advancing metal packaging through a constant flow of sustainable innovations and technology that will benefit customers. From some of the strongest and most metal-efficient tab designs available, to brilliant new equipment upgrades, to revolutionary new equipment poised to impact the next generation of can making, Stolle continues to make significant investments of personnel and funding to R&D in every area of can making. Stolle’s global technical centres are dedicated facilities that develop the advanced software and hardware that future industry leaders can come to rely on while producing the sustainable machinery features that today’s customers expect.
As if to prove this point, Stolle has been designated a Platinum OEM Partner by Rockwell Automation. Companies at this level have met the product design, marketing, and business relationship criteria of Rockwell Automation technology across their entire company. Having occurred in 2022, Rockwell’s strategic partnership will further help Stolle to develop innovations in advanced software and hardware across their product line. Rockwell Automation evolved its OEM Partner Program globally, establishing levels of participation based on need and output. As a Platinum OEM Partner, Stolle Machinery takes advantage of a true partnership approach with Rockwell Automation with executive-level engagements and alignment with strategic growth opportunities along with various services for digital transformation.
“Rockwell Automation is pleased to welcome Stolle Machinery as a Platinum OEM Partner to our growing OEM Partner Program,” said Johannes zu Eltz, Vice President of Global Market Access, “Not only does this Platinum designation help Rockwell Automation partner with Stolle on initiatives, but it also adds diversity to our stable of partners, delivering unrivalled co-marketing opportunities, coordinated market planning with our sales force, and improved customer engagement with co-managed objectives.”
With its expanded range, which facilitates greater market access, streamlines processes, and standardizes product integration for manufacturers, the enhanced offering empowers stakeholders to maximize the benefits of Rockwell Automation technology. Anticipating an influx of platinum level partners, alongside numerous gold, silver, and bronze members, the company foresees the program becoming a premier opportunity for original equipment manufacturers on a global scale.
“The partnership excites us particularly because of Rockwell’s deep knowledge in the food and beverage industry,” said Michael Larson, Chief Operations Officer for Stolle. “With a long history of innovation, we’ll partner with Rockwell Automation to develop new machinery and technology to make production faster and more efficient for our customers.”
Conclusion
Stolle is committed to advancing their customer needs through ongoing innovation and technological advancement, backed by substantial investments in resources and personnel. Expert engineering teams collaborate with seasoned technicians at the company’s R&D Technical Centres to explore new ideas and concepts, integrating cutting-edge technology and materials as they become available in the market. Often, teams initiate projects from scratch, devising equipment that addresses industry demands for functionality, speed, and efficiency, even if it requires pioneering solutions. The Stolle R&D Technical Centres afford the company the flexibility to experiment and validate new concepts during their developmental stages. Strategically located within several assembly facilities worldwide, these centres facilitate seamless collaboration. Additionally, Stolle collaborates with various independent engineering firms to access specialized expertise when necessary.
