GEA, a global equipment and process technology provider for the food industry and other industries, has completed the acquisition of Slovenia-based filling technologies provider Vipoll.
Based in Križevci pri Ljutomeru, Vipoll manufactures filling technologies for carbonated soft drinks, beer and fresh milk products.
Vipoll is said to add advanced filling and bottling equipment, container conveyors and comprehensive engineering solutions for low and mid speed lines to GEA’s downstream process chain competencies.
The company’s filling technologies can be used to produce glass bottles and cans, as well as pet bottles for non-sensitive products.
With around 100 employees, the company reported sales of around €20m in 2016.
The acquisition helps GEA to expand its product solutions for the beverage processing industry.
GEA CEO Jürg Oleas said: “This acquisition will support our position as a leading global supplier of complete solutions for the beverage industry. The complementarity to our products provides an excellent opportunity to fill a white spot.”
In December 2017, GEA also acquired Italy-based extrusion and milling technology provider Pavan Group.
Based in Galliera Veneta near Padua, Pavan produces extrusion and milling technology for processing pasta, snacks and breakfast cereals.
For the food industry, Pavan Group supplies various industrial solutions ranging from the handling of raw materials to the final packaging.
The company also manufactures machineries for filled, flat, and extruded fresh pasta, convenience food and gnocchi.
GEA supplies process technology for the food industry and various other industries. It is inovled in the development of process technology and components for production processes in different end-user markets.
Image: Vipoll produces filling technologies for carbonated soft drinks, beer and fresh milk products. Photo: courtesy of GEA Group.