Australian food packaging solutions provider tna is getting bigger. And smarter. The announcement in early May of its latest acquisition of US company FOODesign was perfect timing for interpack, where it could spruik its new ability to offer food manufacturers a choice of processing solutions alongside its existing portfolio of integrated packaging solutions.
FOODesign specialises in fryers and cookers, including top end kettle batch fryers and continuous fryers, baking and toasting ovens, specialty roasting equipment, cooling equipment, seasoning and coating machines, bulk handling conveyors, distribution and storage systems, as well as controls system technology. These systems are suitable for use across a wide variety of applications including meat, poultry, seafood, bakery, confectionery and snack foods.
Located in Oregon, USA, and until now focused only on the North American market, FOODesign will now have access to tna´s global sales network and brings more than 20 years of experience in design, installation and service for total food processing plants to the tna group.
Commenting on the expansion, Michael Green, managing director at tna, said: “With FOODesign providing equipment to many of the top 100 food processing companies in the world, the acquisition gives tna access to all the necessary skills, networks, market knowledge and relationships to provide customers with a new choice in processing equipment – from fryers and feed systems through to packaging and controls.”
Speaking to Green at interpack it´s clear tna is set to stay on the acquisition trail, on the lookout for opportunities that will allow it to deliver flexible and efficient turnkey solutions.
"Organic growth is a slow process. Acquisitions give us instant access to markets, new applications and new products," said Green.
"An important part of delivering turnkey solutions is integration of the equipment in the line. There's a lot of clever equipment available, but what customers need is intelligent systems, and it´s our ability to stitch together smart equipment into one integrated intelligent system that allows us to add value to the customers´ line,” he said.
On tna´s stand at interpack the company demonstrated its flagship high performance, flexible spraying, distribution, seasoning and bagging solutions, highlighting the benefits its automation and SCADA capabilities can bring to food production lines with an on stand demonstration of a large seasoning and conveying system.
See the system in action here:
