Norway-based Tomra Group has agreed to acquire New Zealand-based BBC Technologies for NZD66.9m ($48.9m)
Based in Hamilton, BBC Technologies provides solutions for sorting, optimising, and packing small fruit.
The company designs, develops and produces turnkey lines with traceability and analytics software features.
BBC’s product solutions include vision-based sorting equipment, filling and packing equipment, supporting product equipment and soft sorting technology.
The vision-based sorting equipment will be used for sorting, grading and removing product based on visual aesthetics.
Its MIRA-360 tomato sorter features advanced sorting technology, which will identify and remove defected grape and cherry tomatoes of all descriptions, including those with racks and splits, defects, over-ripes, rots and moulds, stink bugs, bird and insect damaged.
The acquisition also includes Freshtracker software platform to track origins and characteristics of individual products from harvesting, processing and packaging to point-of-sale.
BBC Technologies’ precision grading systems, advanced punnet and clamshell filling solutions for blueberries and other small fruits will compliment Tomra Food’s own fruit inspection and grading technology portfolio.
The acquired business will be operated as a division of Tomra Food, and its head Geoff Furniss will continue to manage the business and reports to Tomra Food head Mike Riley.
Riley said: “This acquisition further increases Tomra’s leadership in grading, sorting, and packaging solutions for fresh, packaged, and processed foods.
Furniss said: “Joining Tomra provides the perfect platform to further enhance our technology and service offerings in all corners of the globe.”
The company designs, develops and produces end-to-end turnkey lines with traceability and analytics software features.
By using advanced grading, sorting, peeling and analytical technology, Tomra Food designs and produces sensor-based sorting machines and integrated post-harvest solutions for the food industry.