USA – Duravant, a provider of automated food processing solutions, has completed the acquisition of Woodside Electronics Corporation (WECO), a leading manufacturer of optical color and defect sorting equipment based in California.
Duravant and Weco announced the acquisition agreement in February this year.
WECO has been a leader in optical sorting technology for agricultural growers for over 30 years supplying its solutions to tomatoes, walnuts, blueberries, pecans, hops, wine grapes, coffee cherries and olives processors.
The company designs, builds and services “highly intelligent” optical color and defect sorting systems and moisture monitoring systems to enable processors increase productivity and efficiency throughout their operations.
WECO’s portfolio includes highly differentiated and proprietary vision technology and software systems that are designed to deliver high quality optics and accurate sorting performance.
Along with Key Technology, which Duravant acquired in early 2018, WECO will significantly extend Duravant’s reach across automated food processing and inspection categories.
Mike Kachmer, President and CEO of Duravant, said, “WECO is a great addition to Duravant. Their culture of customer-centric innovation and commitment to rapid new product development has been at the core of their success.”
“WECO moves us into new markets with equipment and software solutions that are complementary to Key Technology’s offerings. Together, we are able to deliver an even more comprehensive set of food processing automation solutions to our customers.”
Don Douglas, President of WECO, added, “We’re excited to officially join the Duravant family of operating companies.
“We share the same commitment to developing long-term relationships with our customers. Additionally, Duravant’s global presence and strong service infrastructure will stimulate our growth and enhance our ability to be a lifelong trusted advisor for our customers.”
Duravant has further expanded its offering with the acquisition of Dutch provider of potato and vegetable processing solutions, Herbert Solutions and also expanded Key Technology’s facility in Beusichem, the Netherlands.
Through an investment that increased Key’s production capacity at the site by 50%, the company said that the expansion will speed delivery of Key’s optical sorters and vibratory conveying solutions to food processors across the world.
