Ball, SPX and Harpak - acquisition round up
UK-based food processing equipment company DC Norris has entered into a strategic partnership with Plascon Packaging in a bid to boost its US presence.
DC Norris supplies a wide range of machinery from stand-alone equipment to fully automated processing lines. Plascon provide flexible packaging and food processing systems in North and South America. The company has formed a number of strategic alliances – most notably with Cryovac Sealed Air.
“With this new DC Norris agreement, we can offer complete Cook-Chill systems from the processing equipment to the packaging supplies,” said Plascon CEO David Peterson. “DC Norris is known for producing high-quality equipment for the foodservice and food processing industries around the world, but did not have a strong presence in the US market.”
SPX Corp completes buy
Late last week, SPX Corp announced it had completed the buyout of Anhydro, a Denmark-based global supplier of liquid concentration equipment, powder processing solutions, and dewatering plants and equipment. The terms of the deal were not available.
SPX said in June it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the company, which will operate within its flow technology division.
“The addition of Anhydro broadens our technology equipment offerings and systems capabilities and strengthens our ability to serve customers in the global food, pharmaceutical and chemical processing end markets," said SPX chairman, president and CEO Christopher J. Kearney. "This strategic transaction also builds on our recent acquisition of Gerstenberg Schroder and underscores our commitment to expanding our Flow Technology segment, which remains a key component of our global growth strategy."
Ball strategy
US-based Ball Corp said it has taken over Neuman Aluminium, which manufactures aluminium slugs that are converted into beverage and personal care packaging. The company, which has plants in the US state of Virginia and the Canadian province of Quebec, posted sales of US$128m in 2009 and employs 180 people. No financial details were disclosed.
Ball said the move was strategic acquisition to help it access new markets and grow its packaging platform.
Harpak-Ulma tie up
Harpak Inc said it had completed its merger with ULMA Packaging Systems in North America on 19 July. The new company has been re-named Harpak-ULMA Packaging LLC.
The deal means the companies could join expertise to offer customers a broader product range.
“The advantage for both companies' customers is that while Harpak has invested significantly in tray sealing, filling and secondary packaging, ULMA has made significant investment in flow wrapping, form/fill/seal, and shrink wrap and vertical sealers,” said Harpak president Linda Harlfinger. “The combination of these assets and capabilities will allow the merged company to offer our customers a wider range of fully integrated packaging solutions."
ULMA chief Juan Ignacio Aguirre said the merger meant the new company combined both experience and agility in its offerings to the packaging industry.
