Sampras Completes Acquisition of Sturm's Surface Treatment Business and Launches New Company

German non-standard machinery manufacturer Sonplas has completed the acquisition of the surface technology business unit from Sturm Maschinen- & Anlagenbau GmbH and established a new company, Sturm Surface Technology GmbH, which is now integrated into the Sonplas Group. This business unit specializes in turnkey production lines and customized equipment solutions for thermal spray processes, coating technologies, and high-precision optical surface measurement and inspection. The transfer of the former Sturm surface technology business to the new entity commenced on April 1, 2026, and has now been fully completed. Sonplas Automation (Kunshan) Co., Ltd. will integrate this business unit and provide customer support in areas including thermal surface treatment, automation, vision and inspection, and coating systems. Josef Li, formerly Deputy General Manager of Sales for Sturm China, has joined Sonplas Automation and will continue managing customer relations. This acquisition strengthens Sonplas’ surface technology portfolio in the Chinese market, expanding its offerings to include thermal spray technology, UV battery coating technology, and high-precision optical surface measurement and inspection. Sturm Surface Technology GmbH is among the earliest global providers of battery coating solutions to achieve commercial implementation. Christian Wachtmeister, Managing Director of Sonplas, stated that the acquisition holds significant long-term strategic value, aiming to expand Sonplas’ presence in the Chinese market and ensure sustainable business growth. The company plans to further enhance its local R&D capabilities—building upon its existing sales, service, and after-sales foundation—by expanding its teams of software and application engineers.