Ann Arbor, Mich. — Krones AG, the manufacturer of filling and packaging equipment, has signed a technology licensing agreement with LiquiForm Group, which has developed a technology that combines the bottle forming and filling processes in a single step.

The technology can eliminate the standard procedure of using pressurized air to blow the bottle, then filling the container in a separate process.

Krones is based in Neutraubling, Germany. The company makes machines for blow molding and complete filling lines, mainly for beer and other beverages, as well as food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

“With the LiquiForm technology, Krones has an opportunity to build on existing bottling technology, intellectual property and know-how to develop unique industrial solutions for improving the total cost of ownership for our customers even further,” said Christian Compera, Krones head of bottling technology.

LiquiForm is a joint venture between packaging maker Amcor Ltd. and blow molding machinery manufacturer Sidel Group.