International machinery specialist Andritz Group has acquired a 70% stake in Diatec S.R.L, a leading manufacturer of processing equipment for the hygiene and food packaging industries based in Collecorvino, Italy, and the remaining 30% stake will remain in the hands of the two existing shareholder families.

Diatec designs and provides manufacturing and technical solutions for a variety of special equipment, mainly for the production of baby diapers and other absorbent hygiene products, but also for food packaging. With this acquisition, Andritz will complement its nonwovens portfolio, offering a complete product line and value chain in the hygiene market, from raw materials to laying, netting, finishing and finished product processing.

The owners and operators of Diatec, who will remain with the company, see Andritz as the best partner to support the company's long-term growth and create synergies with employees and suppliers that meet customer needs.

Andreas Lukas, division manager of Andritz Nonwoven, said: "We are very excited about this complementary acquisition, which expands our market coverage, process technology and product range in the nonwoven industry."