Extrusion International 4-2025-USA

49 Extrusion International 4/2025 Expansion, specialization and new impulses In the 1980s and 1990s, ORA Machines grew continu - ously. The expansion of distribution rights – including brands such as KrausMaffei, Rapid, and GWK (now technotrans) – strengthened the company's position as a system provider. The thermoforming sector and the packaging industry also came more into focus. In 1997, the company building was expanded again: on more than 3,000 m², it now offers enough space for offic - es, a large warehouse, a modern workshop and a show - room. The motto "from the first sketch to the last screw" reflects the claim to deliver not only components, but also well-thought-out, ready-to-use complete solutions. Pieter van Ballegooijen joined the company in 1996 and initially founded his own company in 2001 before returning to the ORA umbrella in 2006 with the opening of a branch in Amersfoort (NL). Since then, ORA has also been represented in the Netherlands with a full-fledged team and service location. motan-colortronic – A milestone for both sides 2010marks a turning point: the takeover of Colortronic by the motan Group leads to the founding of motan-col- ortronic gmbh. ORA Machines becomes the official and exclusive distributor for motan-colortronic in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. This meant not only the expansion of the portfolio, but also stronger techni - cal integration and many new customer contacts. Bringing together the existing customer bases and the close exchange on a technical and strategic level creates strong synergy effects. The combination of motan's and ORA's expertise makes the offer particularly attractive for plastics processors in the region. Continuity, innovation and new generations After around 40 years with the company, Diederik van Ballegooijen handed over the management to his brother Pieter in 2015. Under his leadership, the coop - eration with motan will be further strengthened. At the same time, ORA continues to expand its portfolio, including automation technology from AGS, conveyor belts and separation technology from MTF Technik, as well as innovative solutions from Nolden Regler and Groche Technik. Fanuc injection moulding machines have also been part of the range since 2019. Picture 2: The company's original logo has been used since its inception Picture 3: Trade fair stand in the 1980s Picture 4: Open House in Herverlee 2016 Picture 5: Philippe Philips, one of the two managing directors