Italian advanced manufacturing company Caracol has acquired the additive manufacturing intellectual property and robotic machine configuration assets of Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik GmbH, a German industrial machinery firm with more than a century of engineering expertise.
The deal positions Caracol to integrate Weber’s additive extrusion technology into its own platforms, creating what it calls the most comprehensive large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) ecosystem currently available. Beyond technology, the acquisition strengthens Caracol’s foothold in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), a market known for its high concentration of advanced manufacturers.
Under the agreement, existing Weber additive customers will now be supported through Caracol’s global service and field network, which covers over 55 countries. Caracol has pledged continuity in product development, after-sales support, and scaling opportunities—while Weber remains a key partner in extrusion technology development.
“This agreement combines heritage with innovation,” said Francesco De Stefano, CEO and Co-founder of Caracol. “We are merging Caracol’s expertise in turnkey LFAM systems and application know-how with Weber’s legacy in extrusion machinery. This synergy expands customization and automation options for clients, including greater flexibility with robotics and control systems.”
Weber’s leadership emphasized that the decision followed careful evaluation of several proposals. “Caracol distinguished itself as a global LFAM leader with strong support infrastructure, proven application expertise, and a complementary value proposition,” said Dr. Markus Weber and Ludwig Weber, Managing Directors of Hans Weber. “We believe they are the right company to carry forward our additive legacy and strengthen the future of LFAM technologies.”
The acquisition is part of Caracol’s broader European growth strategy at a time when manufacturers are seeking more localized, resilient, and sustainable production systems. By combining Caracol’s holistic ecosystem approach with Weber’s deep engineering heritage, the companies aim to accelerate LFAM adoption in aerospace, automotive, energy, and other sectors.
Industry observers see the move as more than just a transfer of assets. it’s a strategic play to consolidate expertise in extrusion-based additive manufacturing and reinforce Europe’s competitive edge in advanced production technologies.
