German food packager KHS has acquired a majority holding in quality assurance systems provider Metec. The deal, which is part of KHS's strategy of expanding its presence in the food processing marketplace, also has the potential to open up new markets to the group.
KHS believes that the Metec acquisition perfectly complements the group's other core businesses. For a start, the worldwide network of KHS branch offices and agencies will help strengthen the presence of Metec on the international market.
Metec, which was founded in 1985, is one of Europe's leading providers of quality assurance systems. The company concentrates mainly on the global beverage sector and provides comprehensive monitoring equipment to the beverage industry for both the wet and dry sections. International brands such as SABMiller, Interbrew, Heineken and Coca-Cola use Metec equipment.
Metec also focuses on the food and non-food sectors. The company claims that its monitoring equipment is highly adaptable, and can be used wherever there is a requirement for the monitoring of filling levels and bottle dressings. The company can also provide equipment for leakage testing and bottle or container recognition and sorting.
Metec is also a leading European supplier of crate sorting, and plays a major role in the sorting of PET bottles. Last year the firm, which employs over 40 people, reported a turnover of €5 million.