KQ Automation, founded in China in 2008 and expanded into Europe through KQ Automation GmbH in Mönchengladbach, Germany, develops adhesive dispensing, plasma surface treatment, inline quality assurance, and tape application systems for packaging converters, folding carton producers, and commercial printers. With local spare parts stocking and field technicians in Europe, the company targets converters running high-speed lines who need zero-defect production and rapid service response.
Bo Chen, General Manager and Director of KQ Automation, discusses the company’s integrated QA and dispensing architecture, market trends in sustainable packaging, and growth expectations for H2 2026.
A brief description of the company and its activities.
Bo Chen: Established in 2008, Ke Qi Automation (KQ) is a high-tech equipment manufacturer specializing in advanced adhesive dispensing, surface treatment, quality assurance, and automated tape application systems. Headquartered in China, KQ expanded its footprint in 2025 by establishing KQ Automation GmbH in Mönchengladbach, Germany.
This European headquarters was established to support international OEMs and provide direct sales, technical service, and local warehousing for European customers. By keeping high-demand spare parts in Europe and offering same-time-zone technical support and an on-site field technician, KQ Automation GmbH ensures minimal downtime and seamless service for European packaging manufacturers, folding carton converters, corrugated box producers, and commercial printers.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
B.C: Our core engineering focus centers on four primary pillars within the packaging and print finishing sectors:
- Cold and Hot Glue Systems: High-precision cold glue application guns, hot melt tank units, and complete dispensing systems tailored for high-speed packaging and converting.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Real-time monitoring and inline defect detection, including cold/hot glue sensors, optical code verification cameras (barcodes, QR, EAN, Pharma-code), and double-sheet detectors.
- Surface Modification: Atmospheric plasma surface treatment units designed to increase surface energy and ensure reliable bonding on difficult UV-coated, varnished, or laminated substrates.
- E-Commerce & Specialty Packaging: Automatic double-sided tape applicators and tear-strip applicators engineered for corrugated blanks, envelopes, and e-commerce packaging.
What’s the news about new products/services?
B.C: We have recently expanded our high-speed cold glue applicator guns and integrated inline inspection modules. With packaging lines running faster than ever, our latest-generation QA systems feature compact optical sensors and smart camera modules capable of detecting microscopic adhesive gaps, misplaced glue lines, and defective barcode printing at production speeds up to 450 m/min. Furthermore, we have upgraded our tape application units to support full synchronization with automated feeder and collection modules, streamlining e-commerce box production.
What are the ranges of products/services?
B.C: KQ offers an end-to-end product lineup for carton converting and machinery integration:
- Cold Glue Systems: High-pressure adhesive guns, multi-channel controllers, liquid supply pumps, and precision line/dot dispensers.
- Hot Melt Glue Equipment: Tank units, flexible heated hoses, high-frequency electric guns, and specialized nozzles.
- Quality Assurance Systems: PJC-series glue detectors, optical code verification cameras, full-carton rejection units, and touch-screen monitoring interfaces.
- Plasma Surface Treatment: Atmospheric plasma nozzle units for pretreating non-porous boards prior to gluing.
- Tape Applicators: Fully automatic release-tape and tear-strip applicators for e-commerce cartons.
- OEM Integration, Retrofits & EU Compliance: Modular components designed for seamless retrofit integration into existing third-party folder-gluers. All European inventory and product adaptations strictly adhere to highest engineering standards.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
B.C: The global packaging market is experiencing robust demand driven by the expansion of e-commerce, pharmaceutical packaging, and sustainable food packaging. However, converters face severe cost pressures, skilled labor shortages, and strict zero-defect mandates from brand owners.
Historically, many European plants operated machines imported from Asia that featured KQ systems, but struggled with service response times and spare part availability. With our new hub in Mönchengladbach, we bridge that gap completely. Converters no longer have to choose between cost efficiency and reliable support—they now receive localized European field service, rapid spare parts delivery, and seamless integration with their existing equipment.
What can you tell us about market trends?
B.C: Local Service & Spare Part Availability: European converters are moving away from isolated equipment suppliers in favor of partners who can offer local technical support, regional spare parts stocking, and quick emergency response times.
Automation & Zero-Defect Production: Converters cannot afford product returns caused by unglued or misprinted boxes. Automated inline inspection with instant rejection mechanisms is rapidly becoming an industry requirement.
Eco-Friendly Substrates: As brand owners shift to plastic-free and recyclable packaging, converters are working with difficult recycled boards and bio-based adhesives. Plasma surface treatment is increasingly vital to achieving strong bonds without plastic laminates.
E-Commerce Boom: Growing demand for unboxing convenience drives high interest in versatile tape applicators for tear strips and double-sided sealing tape.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
B.C: Our flagship innovation is our Combined Quality Assurance and Dispensing Architecture. Rather than treating gluing, inspection, and surface treatment as separate silos, KQ Automation integrates these functions into unified controller platforms. For example, our high-speed cold glue detectors work directly alongside our plasma treatment heads and camera inspection units, allowing real-time feedback and automatic ejection of defective cartons without slowing down production line speeds.
What estimations do you have for the second half of 2026?
B.C: For H2 2026, we anticipate strong growth across European and international markets. Through our active trade show presence and expanding sales network under KQ Automation GmbH, we are seeing high interest from converters looking to retrofit legacy folder-gluers with modern inspection, gluing, and tape application tools. As energy efficiency, waste reduction, and local service accessibility remain top priorities for packaging plants, KQ Automation is uniquely positioned to deliver high-performance automation backed by reliable European support.
