Thiele Technologies buys Symach in global expansion
The deal strengthens the Flexible and Rigid Business groups of Thiele Technologies, headquartered in Minneapolis and is the company’s seventh acquisition in nine years.
'Tremendous opportunities'
The Flexible division handles bagged products – ranging from flour mixes to soil to pet food while the Rigid business handles products packaged in cases and cartons, including bliss and tray equipment, used in the produce industry.
Michele Allamprese, VP, global business development and acquisitions, Thiele Technology, told FoodProductionDaily.com he is based in Belgium and will lead the Thiele efforts outside of the Americas.
“Acquiring Symach offered some tremendous opportunities,” he said.
“Not only is their equipment outstanding, but their team has a rich experience and knowledge that will grow their business as well as our own.
“One of our long-term goals has been to grow globally. This partnership will move us farther in that direction, as well as expand our product offerings to give our customers more options.”
The acquisition officially closed on March 4, 2014 and Symach will allow the company to boost its expansion plans outside the Americas and to bring the latest technology in palletizing to the US market via existing Thiele selling channels.
Bags and cartons
Thiele builds equipment that handles a variety of materials including bags, cartons (non-corrugated paper board), and cases (corrugated boxes).
Allamprese added the firm is well positioned to use the Symach technology to become a total bag filling and handling provider globally because its palletizers work with each of these package types.
He said, as an example, it already does a great deal of business in the US and Latin American-based produce industry with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fresh produce
“We build equipment that sets-up and forms bliss and tray cases, like the orange cases you see at your grocery store. Produce is also a major market for Symach throughout Europe,” he said.
“As a part of Barry-Wehmiller, we offer an even more diverse selection when you consider the vast array products of our sister-divisions including Accraply, recently-acquired Arcil (based in France), FleetwoodGoldcoWyard, HayssenSandiacre, PneumaticScaleAngelus, MarquipWardUnited, PCMC (Paper Converting Machinery Company).
“Time will tell what’s next. There’s nothing that we’re ready to announce right now, but we’re always looking for areas to grow and strengthen our business.
“It’s an exciting chapter for everyone – with many opportunities to grow and learn together. As for challenges, we are never short of those.
“It’s an ever-shifting market with package designs being created, speed requirements, different technology to implement, even new companies to join to our own. But we see these as opportunities to learn more about our customers’ needs, to expand our knowledge and to grow our team.”
Thiele Technologies will be exhibiting at Interpack from May 8-14 in Dusseldorf, Germany and PackExpo from November 2-5 in Chicago, US.
