GRAFE Modernizes Technical Center: Three New ARBURG Allrounders in Blankenhain
By modernizing the technical center at its Color Design Center, GRAFE is strengthening its main location in Germany while expanding its capabilities for processing high-performance polymers.
©GRAFE: From left to right: Lars Schulze (GRAFE – Head of R&D), Michael Friedl (ARBURG – Sales Consultant Germany), Sebastian Grafe (GRAFE – Head of Sales)
Blankenhain, April 22, 2026 – GRAFE has commissioned three new ARBURG Allrounder 270 S compact injection molding machines at its Color Design Center in Blankenhain. With a planned investment of around 250,000 euros, the masterbatch manufacturer is replacing three older machines used to produce samples and test specimens, thereby sending a clear signal of modernization, efficiency, and technological advancement at its Thuringian site.
“The new machines offer significant advantages over the previous systems. They operate more energy-efficiently and consume less electricity, are easier to operate, and feature a unified control concept. In addition, high-temperature plastics can now be processed at the Blankenhain site, allowing us to expand our product portfolio in the future,” says Lars Schulze, Head of R&D Product Development. This not only improves processes in the technical center but also makes daily operation of the equipment significantly easier for GRAFE’s colorists.
“Another significant advancement lies in the expanded processing capabilities: The new injection molding machines are capable of molding high-performance polymers—a processing area that could not be covered by the existing equipment,” explains Michael Friedl, Sales Consultant for Germany at ARBURG, who traveled to Blankenhain for the commissioning. This enables GRAFE to create the necessary conditions to continue providing customers with optimal support for demanding applications through innovative material solutions.
When selecting the new technology, GRAFE deliberately chose the German premium manufacturer ARBURG. The decisive factors were not only technical aspects but also a clear understanding of quality. After all, a company that delivers the highest quality itself also demands it from its suppliers. That is why a purely price-driven offer from Asia was deliberately rejected.
With this step, GRAFE is also making a clear commitment to Germany as a technology hub. The modernization of the technical center is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainably strengthen the Blankenhain site and position it optimally for future market demands. Consequently, further investments in the production process and warehouse management are already planned for 2026, with some already in the implementation phase.
“With the commissioning of the new injection molding machines, we are making a targeted investment in the future of our technical center. In doing so, we are not only expanding our technological capabilities but also strengthening our Blankenhain site and consciously focusing on quality made in Germany,” concludes Sebastian Grafe, Head of Sales.