Stork announced yesterday it has signed an agreement to buy Nijal Technologie Alimentaire in France. Nijal manufactures machines for processing of meat that are complementary to those of Stork, the company said.
Nijal produces equipment for the high-speed production of shish kebabs, sandwiches, meatballs, formed ground meat products and sausages. It also produces equipment for denesting trays and automatic tray loading.
Nijal had a turnover of €6 million in 2005 and employes 30 staff. The company has offices in France, Italy, Spain and the US.
"Stork's worldwide sales and marketing organisation will open new markets and create new opportunities for Nijals innovative machines," the company stated.
The acquisition price will not be disclosed until final agreement has been reached, which is expected to take place before the end of 2006.
Nijal's portfolio consists of equipment for further processing of meat. About 65 per cent of the company's sales are due to sales of machines developed in the past three years.
Stork Food Systems mainly produces processing equipment for the poultry and convenience food sector. It also provides industrial systems and installations for dairy, fruit juices and other beverages. The company has 1,240 employees, and had a turnover of about €240 million in 2005 out of the total Stork group turnover of €1.82bn.
Earlier this year Stork acquired Townsend, a meat processing equipment maker in the US, as part of its strategy. Stork group is headquartered in the Netherlands.