Marel hf, one of the world’s leading developers of high-tech food processing equipment, has announced its acquisition of UK-based AEW Thurne (AEW) and Delford Sortaweigh (Delford) from the AEW Delford Group Ltd.
This is Marel’s first strategic move to implement its new target of becoming a leading global manufacturer of food processing equipment, and to triple annual revenues over the next three to five years. After the acquisition, AEW Thurne and Delford Sortaweigh will be operated under the name AEW Delford Systems Ltd.
The two companies’ products are manufactured in Harwich and Norwich in the UK – they also operate two US sales and marketing subsidiaries in Illinois and Arkansas and a French branch in Vannes. Main markets are in the UK, USA, France and the Netherlands.
“AEW Thurne and Delford Sortaweigh are well known for their high quality processing products,” says Marel CEO Hordur Arnarson, “for example high-speed slicing, portion control and shaping, weigh price labeling and robotic systems. These products are an excellent addition to Marel’s product portfolio. Customers will now have a broader, more in-depth range of solutions. In addition, we expect sales of the AEW and Delford products to increase significantly through our global sales network.”
Marel R&D Director Asgeir Asgeirsson has been appointed CEO of AEW Delford Systems Ltd. effective immediately. “Both Marel and AEW Delford Systems have ambitious technical programs that have proven themselves with excellent products. This will be further strengthened by merging activities,” he says.
