JBT Corporation, a global technology solutions provider to the food processing industry, has sealed a definitive deal to acquire A&B Process Systems, a provider of processing systems for the beverage and food industries.
Based in Stratford, Wisconsin, 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 U.S. and Canada.
Tom Giacomini, JBT’s chairman and president and chief executive officer, says, “We are very pleased to welcome A&B to the JBT team, bringing with it a rich history of serving the food processing industry for more than 40 years.”
“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.”
