FDBusiness.com

JBT Corporation, the global technology solutions provider to the food processing industry, has sealed a definitive deal to acquire A&B Process Systems, a leading provider of processing systems for the beverage and food industries. Based in Wisconsin in the US, A&B specializes in the design, manufacturing, automation and installation of liquid food turnkey production systems, including steel process vessels, storage tanks, batch and blend tanks, valve manifolds and process piping installation for food processors.

From soda, juice, water and milk to liquor, wine and beer, A&B also engineers, manufactures and installs a wide range of sanitary process systems for the beverage industry. The addition of A&B’s processing capabilities and technologies, along with JBT’s recently completed acquisition of Stork Food & Dairy Systems, greatly strengthens JBT’s liquid foods portfolio and its ability to provide complete solutions to customers.

A&B also brings a large field service operation that will strengthen JBT’s installation and aftermarket business. At the same time, JBT will leverage its global sales network to expand the geographic reach of A&B’s portfolio, which is currently limited to the US and Canada.

Tom Giacomini, JBT’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, says: “This transaction – like the four companies we acquired over the past year and a half – supports our Next Level strategy of acquiring leading companies that strengthen our protein processing and liquid foods portfolios. While we have significantly exceeded our Next Level 2017 acquisition growth target, we will maintain our disciplined pursuit of strategic opportunities.”

JBT Corporation employs approximately 3,700 people worldwide and operates sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations located in over 25 countries.