JBT acquires AutoCoding Systems

AutoCoding Systems has announced it has been acquired by food processing machinery manufacturer JBT Corporation.

The £12.5 million (AU$22.3 million) deal extends JBT’s capabilities in packaging line equipment and associated devices, including coding and label inspection and verification.

AutoCoding Systems’ packaging line automation software solution integrates all inline packaging devices, such as coders, scanners, labellers, checkweighers and inspection equipment. By automating the set-up and control of the equipment, the need for human intervention is removed, thereby reducing manual inspection and downtime for line configuration.

While AutoCoding is scalable across JBT FoodTech’s end markets, it provides a good fit with JBT’s Proseal business, where its tray sealing equipment begins the end-of-line process.

Mike Hughes, AutoCoding Systems’ Managing Director, said it is an exciting time for AutoCoding Systems in the UK, US and Australia.

Brian Deck, JBT’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said AutoCoding’s offering embodies the company’s broader mission to make better use of the world’s precious resources.

“AutoCoding helps its customers reduce food waste, ensures complete and accurate food packaging information, and facilitates traceability and food safety,” Deck said.

“The acquisition also expands our capabilities in the large and growing global market for inline coding and inspection solutions, which includes hardware and software for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical customers.”

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