GEA eyes next generation freezer products with US acquisition
The Germany-based company announced today it had acquired the entire assets, operations, production facilities and patents of QPM LLC and QPM Manufacturing LLC, Washington.
Next generation
The US firm, headquartered in Bellevue, supplies specialised steel conveyor belts used to transport food products in ovens and freezers.
“The acquisition of QPM means that GEA Refrigeration Technologies now has proprietary access to technology that allows expansion of our freezer portfolio,” said Dr Hugo Blaum, president of the German company and group executive board member.
Guido Beyss, GEA vice President Technologies said the integration of QPM into the processing giant’s operations would provide an important addition to their freezer and chiller products.
“We will now be able to develop and manufacture the core components of our next generation of freezers and chillers on a one-stop basis," he added. “Furthermore, we will enjoy our share of the lucrative market of preventive and restorative maintenance of such conveyor belts.”
Organisation
While QPM operations will be integrated into the legal structure of GEA Refrigeration Technologies North America, production will remain in Bellevue.
GEAs Aerofreeze unit, in Vancouver, Canada, will manage the new asset.
Former majority owner of QPM Jim Heber will be employed by GEA to ensure the transition is a smooth one. QPM’s Michael Wierman will join GEA as the operations manager based in Bellevue.
