JBT Corp., Chicago, announced on Feb. 28, its purchase of Avure Technologies, Inc., Middletown, Ohio, for $57 million, before post close adjustments. Avure develops processing technology and a range of high pressure processing (HPP) systems for worldwide tolling centers and global food manufacturers. JBT Corp. offers cooking, frying and chilling equipment as well as portioning, sorting, weighing and grading systems for the protein market as well as extraction, mixing, blending, filling, closing and sterilizing for the liquid foods market. The addition of Avure will expand JBT's clean-label solutions for fresh, flavorful foods and beverages with a longer shelf life, says JBT Food Tech's president Steve Smith.
"With the expanding marketplace adoption of HPP technology as well as broad applications across both protein and liquid foods, the integration of Avure solutions into the JBT portfolio means we can now offer comprehensive thermal and non-thermal preservation solutions to global food and beverage producers," Smith explains. "We’ll add our global sales force and responsive aftermarket support to the development and installation of these HPP systems to create best-in-class lines for our customers."
Avure’s HPP equipment uses ultra-high pressure purified water to keep packaged food pathogen-free to stay fresh. Coupling its design, fabrication and food science resources for the with JBT's existing portfolio of protein and liquid food technologies will provide complementary capabilities, says Jeff Williams, CEO of Avure. "Our customers will benefit from a broader product offering and enhanced global support of the Avure product line."
