KHS Group: Beverage Filling and Packaging Equipment
KHS Group, based in Dortmund, Germany, is a major manufacturer of filling and packaging equipment for the beverage, food, and non-food industries. With a history dating back to 1868 and approximately 5,000 employees worldwide, KHS is a subsidiary of Salzgitter AG and produces bottling equipment used across the beverage, food, and non-food industries.
KHS has earned particular recognition for its innovations in PET technology, including the InnoPET Blomax stretch blow moulder series and nature MultiPack — an adhesive-based multipack solution designed to reduce shrink film usage. The company's filling technology spans the complete range from water and CSD to beer, wine, spirits, and sensitive products.
In the used equipment market, KHS machines are present in many production facilities worldwide. Used KHS equipment is regularly available on the secondary market across various configurations and speed ranges.
KHS Filling Systems: Innofill Range
KHS Innofill Glass DRS: A widely used platform for glass bottle filling. Available in configurations for beer (counter-pressure), soft drinks (CSD), and still products. The DRS (Dual Ring System) separates filling and capping on independent carousels for maximum flexibility and speed. Used Innofill Glass DRS machines from 2008 onwards are available in the secondary market.
KHS Innofill PET DRV: Purpose-built for PET bottle filling. The DRV (Dynamic Ring Valve) technology provides precise volumetric filling with minimal product waste. Available for water, CSD, juice, and sensitive products.
KHS Innofill Can DVD: Counter-pressure filler specifically designed for aluminium can filling. Features KHS's proprietary Dynamic Vacuum Dosing technology for minimal oxygen pickup — critical for beer and sensitive beverages.
KHS Innofill DMG: An older but still widespread filling platform. Many Innofill DMG machines from the 2000s remain in active production worldwide. Established technology with extensive spare parts availability.
Evaluation priorities: For all KHS fillers, check valve gasket condition, product bowl condition, CIP connections, rotary union seals, and control system version. KHS machines typically use Siemens S7 PLCs with KHS application software.
KHS PET Technology: InnoPET Blomax
The KHS InnoPET Blomax series is a stretch blow moulding platform used in PET production.
InnoPET Blomax Series IV: Current generation with AirbackPlus air recycling for significantly reduced compressed air consumption. Available in configurations from 4 to 36 cavities (approximately 6,000 to 72,000 BPH).
InnoPET Blomax Series III: Previous generation, widely available in the used market. documented performance. The Series III is commonly available in the secondary market.
InnoPET Blomax 16 and Blomax 12: Among the most popular models in the used market for mid-range PET production (16,000-32,000 BPH depending on bottle size).
Key inspection points: Oven lamp hours and reflector condition, mould locking mechanism wear, stretching rod alignment, high-pressure valve condition, and preform distribution system. KHS machines feature user-friendly recipe management for quick format changes.
Energy efficiency: KHS blow moulders feature energy efficiency options, particularly models with AirbackPlus technology. This translates to lower operating costs for the end user.
KHS Labelling and Packaging Technology
KHS Innoket Neo: Current-generation modular labelling platform supporting roll-fed, self-adhesive, cold glue, and hot melt labelling technologies. Flexible configuration for multiple label types on a single machine.
KHS Innoket SE: Previous generation, commonly available in the used market. Available in Multifix (cold glue) and Rollfeed variants. Reliable and established in high-speed applications.
KHS Innopack Kisters: Secondary packaging technology. The Kisters brand (acquired by KHS) covers shrink wrapping and multipack solutions. Innopack Kisters SP, TSP, and CSP models are widely available in the used market.
KHS nature MultiPack: Adhesive-based multipack system that bonds cans or PET bottles together without shrink film or plastic rings. A growing presence in the used market as producers upgrade to newer models.
KHS Innopal: Palletising technology for layer-by-layer pallet building. Both conventional and robotic systems are available from KHS.
KHS Innoclean: Bottle washing technology for returnable glass lines. The Innoclean series is known for excellent cleaning performance and low water/chemical consumption.
Purchasing Used KHS Equipment: Strategic Considerations
Market positioning: KHS equipment typically offers excellent value in the used market. While Krones widely used market share, KHS machines are available in various configurations across the secondary market.
Service and support: KHS maintains a global service network with regional centres in Europe, Americas, and Asia-Pacific. Used machine buyers can access KHS service for technical support, spare parts, and commissioning assistance.
Complete line philosophy: KHS is strongest when entire lines are KHS-sourced, benefiting from unified control architecture. However, KHS machines integrate well with mixed-manufacturer lines through standard industrial protocols.
Spare parts availability: Excellent for machines built after 2005. Older equipment (pre-2005) may require longer lead times for specific components. KHS offers a comprehensive online spare parts portal.
Technology transfers: KHS equipment is widely installed across Africa, Middle East, and Asia, where many filling lines were originally sold as complete turnkey projects. This creates a steady supply of well-maintained used equipment in the secondary market.
Recommended evaluation approach: Visit the machine in its current installation whenever possible. Request production records, maintenance logs, and spare parts consumption history. KHS machines benefit from regular factory-recommended maintenance intervals — verify compliance.
Frequently asked questions
How does KHS compare to Krones in the used market?
KHS and Krones produce equipment of comparable quality. KHS typically offers 10-20% lower prices in the used market while delivering similar performance. The choice often comes down to specific model availability, existing line compatibility, and regional service support.
Are KHS spare parts readily available?
Yes, KHS maintains excellent spare parts availability through its global network and online portal. Parts for machines from 2005 onwards are generally available within days. Older equipment may require longer lead times for specific components.
What is KHS InnoPET Blomax known for?
The InnoPET Blomax series is designed for its energy efficiency (particularly with AirbackPlus technology), documented performance, user-friendly operation, and quick format changes. It competes directly with the Krones Contiform series.
Can KHS equipment be serviced by third parties?
While KHS provides official service, many independent service companies specialise in KHS equipment maintenance. Standard Siemens PLC platforms make software maintenance accessible. However, for complex issues, KHS factory support is recommended.