Fortifi Food Processing Solutions has acquired New Zealand-based MHM Automation to extend its automation and robotics capabilities. MHM had entered a Scheme Implementation Agreement with Bettcher Industries, a business unit of Fortifi, in November. Fortifi is owned by private equity firm, KKR.
Fortifi CEO Massimo Bizzi said finalising the MHM acquisition sees the company become a global platform of food processing equipment and automation solutions. Working in 15 countries, Fortifi would provide a broad range of solutions across the food industry including applications in protein, dairy, and fruits and vegetables, Bizzi said.
“Fortifi’s strategy is centred around innovation, unparalleled customer service, and expansion through continuous improvement and complementary acquisitions of other leading brands and capabilities,” said Bizzi. “As a strategic partner to our customers, we strive to offer a full portfolio of solutions across the food processing value chain.”
The company has also signed definitive agreements with:
- LIMA France, a France-based supplier of meat-bone separators, deboners and grinders; and
- Reich Thermoprozesstechnik GmbH, the oldest Germany-based manufacturer of thermoprocessing food systems.
Fortifi was formed when KKR acquired protein processing tools company Bettcher Industries in 2021, and global supplier of automated pork and beef processing equipment, Frontmatec, in 2022, creating an end-to-end provider of protein processing solutions.
Bizzi said, “MHM adds capabilities across new food processing segments and applications, including dairy and fruits and vegetables, and further expands Fortifi’s global reach by establishing an even stronger local presence in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Fortifi chair, Dan Daniel, said, “I am thrilled to welcome MHM into the Fortifi portfolio, and I look forward to welcoming LIMA and Reich as well. The global footprint, technologies, and expertise these brands bring will help Fortifi continue to serve its customers with excellence.”
All employees of MHM, Reich and LIMA will join the existing Fortifi team as participants in a broad-based ownership program that provides all Fortifi employees the opportunity to participate in the benefits of equity ownership.
Fortifi is headquartered in Texas.
