Bühler and Premier Tech to form strategic cooperation

In grain processing, packaging is the last step. In many cases – especially in developing countries – the bagging operation is still done manually. This is not only inefficient, costly, and slow, but also implies a certain variation of weight and, therefore, a higher give away of the packaged goods. Palletising solutions are increasingly important to allow for efficient warehousing solutions.

The two companies are establishing a strategic cooperation to meet these market demands and create new cost-effective packaging solutions. Bühler brings its know-how of high-quality manufacturing and supply chain management in China, as well as its digital solutions, whereas Premier Tech contributes with packaging expertise and technological leadership in the field. In bringing these competencies together, the strategic cooperation will develop automated, food-safe, and accurate bagging and palletising solutions.

The strategic cooperation will allow Bühler to provide better turnkey projects with competitive packaging solutions from China, while continuing to deliver high-end products, such as the bagging station Maia from its own manufacturing network in Europe. At the same time, the company will continue to design and market its weighing portfolio (since scales such as Tubex are not part of the agreement), and further improve its digital services, allowing for full transparency and traceability. Premier Tech will gain better access to the Chinese market by using the cost-effective and modern packaging solutions arising from the strategic cooperation, or by combining them with its CHRONOS technology portfolio in weighing, bagging, and palletising.

The strategic cooperation is planned to result in a joint venture for design and manufacturing during 2020, with Bühler focusing on sales of turnkey plants around the world, and Premier Tech on packaging systems in China. Both companies will continue to sell their products through their existing channels.

“Combining the portfolio and expertise of Premier Tech and Bühler will enable future packaging solutions that are significantly more efficient, accurate, and food safe using automation technologies,” said Johannes Wick, CEO of Bühler’s Grains and Food business.

“The two companies complement each other, with Bühler’s strong footprint and market position in China and Premier Tech’s recognised know-how in the field of automated packaging technologies,” said André Noreau, CEO of Premier Tech’s Systems and Automation business.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/27082019/bhler-and-premier-tech-to-form-strategic-cooperation/