Global food and drink technology giant JBT Group has completed the acquisition of packaging specialist Proseal UK, which boasts a manufacturing presence in Europe, the US and Australia, for £220m before customary post-closing adjustments.
Proseal is a manufacturer of tray sealing equipment for a range of categories such as soft fruit, fresh produce and prepared produce, as well as several other food segments, aiming to improve product shelf life whilst minimising the use of plastic at the same time.
With machines capable of handling 240 packs a minute, the Adlington, UK-based company has 'experienced strong growth in export markets through the design, manufacture, assembly and servicing of high-quality tray sealing systems and turnkey production line solutions'.
Used predominantly for food packaging applications, Proseal is aiming to drive growth by developing systems that deliver important sustainability benefits through food preservation techniques and reduced energy consumption.
“The Proseal acquisition provides JBT with a significant platform in the packaging space adding complementary solutions and value adding technologies to many existing customers across JBT’s Liquid Foods and Protein business segments,' said Carlos Fernandez, JBT’s executive vice-president.
“Tray sealing contributes to JBT’s efforts to provide greater sustainability as well as extending the shelf-life of foods, providing more labeling space on the package and enhancing product appearance,' he added. 'In particular, Proseal’s tray sealing technology pairs extremely well with current initiatives in the fresh-cut produce and case ready protein markets.”
As well as its UK site, Proseal operates manufacturing facilities through its Proseal America subsidiary in Richmond, Virginia, and a further site in Melbourne, Australia operated by Proseal Australia.
