ProMach bolsters retort portfolio with acquisition of Ferlo

ProMach, a worldwide leader in processing and packaging solutions, announced the acquisition of Ferlo, a leading manufacturer of retorts, pasteurizing tunnels, and associated product handling automation systems commonly used to provide shelf-stable food products with expanded shelf life. The acquisition of Ferlo increases ProMach’s existing position in processing equipment, expanding its international presence in the retort segment as well as strengthening its manufacturing capacity and supply chain partnerships.

For over 50 years, Ferlo has tailored sterilization systems to the specific needs of customers in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Ferlo’s core offerings include a variety of autoclaves and pasteurizing tunnels for cooking and sterilizing foods, beverages, and pharmaceutical products, complemented by a range of delivery systems to accommodate the material handling of a variety of package types and production processes.

ProMach’s existing portfolio includes product brands Allpax and Stock America, with complementary retort room offerings predominately serving the North American market. Ferlo, based in San Adrián, Navarra, Spain, largely serves the global market outside of North America with systems installed across Europe, South America, South Africa, the Middle East, India, and Asia.

“Ferlo’s significant presence and strong customer relationships outside North America make it a great fit with our existing business,” said Mark Anderson, president, and chief executive officer, ProMach. “They’ve built a tremendous brand reputation serving many large global companies, and it’s exactly what we need as we continue to expand internationally.”

ProMach’s Allpax product brand has been working with Ferlo for nearly two decades, utilizing its manufacturing competency to assist in supplying retort room equipment. “It’s something they excel at,” said Greg Jacob, senior vice president, ProMach’s Handling and Sterilizing business line. “While they do an outstanding job outfitting Ferlo branded retort systems, they also have a best-in-class process to efficiently manufacture high-quality pressure vessels, which has developed into a great manufacturing partnership between the businesses.

Ferlo and its entire staff are joining the ProMach team as part of ProMach’s Handling & Sterilizing business line under the leadership of Greg Jacob. Current Ferlo owner and president, Rafael Lopez, will join ProMach as vice president and general manager of Ferlo. ProMach will continue to invest in Ferlo’s team, brand, products, services, facility, distribution relationships, and research and development efforts to further advance its position as a leader in processing technologies.

“Working with ProMach’s product brands firsthand over the years, I’ve witnessed their ability to execute time and time again and win large projects,” said Lopez. “The number of orders we’ve fulfilled for Allpax and Stock America speak for themselves. I’m looking forward to taking our strategic relationship to the next level, as I feel we are well-positioned to increase our global capacity and service customers around the globe.”

ProMach continues to grow its international footprint to better provide localized support for customers across its product segments. “Having a reliable international network is vital for our global customers,” Anderson explained. “And we want to deliver great customer service all over the world to them. The people and products at Ferlo give ProMach a broad line of retort solutions and improve our support capabilities. We are excited about the growth opportunities at Ferlo.”