Kason Corporation, a US-based manufacturer of screening, sifting and fluid bed processing equipment, has acquired Kek-Gardner, a UK-based manufacturer of sifting, mixing and size reduction equipment.
“The acquisition of Kek-Gardner expands Kason’s global reach while broadening its portfolio of solutions-based equipment and systems for pharmaceutical, food, dairy, chemical, plastics and powder coating applications,” said Kason CEO Jonathan Weiner.
Weiner explained that Kason becomes the world’s largest manufacturer of centrifugal sifting equipment — produced by both companies — and adds mixers, blenders, reactors, kibblers, cone mills, universal mills, air classifier mills, vertical sifters and solid-liquid separators to the equipment line offered through its Millburn, New Jersey headquarters.
Kek-Gardner management and manufacturing, located 25 miles south of Manchester in England will oversee Kason’s European operations.
Kek-Gardner cantilever sifter.
“Both companies are recognised for manufacturing excellence and technical support, earning certifications from the USDA, FDA, BISSC, CE, ATEX cGMP, 3-A and other accrediting bodies,” said Weiner.
“Kason has long been a world leader in vibratory and centrifugal screening and in fluid bed drying technology. We increased the size and capacity of the Millburn facility by one-third in 2013 and have achieved two consecutive years of double-digit growth. We are confident that the added product lines, engineering resources and international sales network of Kek-Gardner will enable Kason to accelerate its rate of growth throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim.”
George Tunnicliffe, former managing director of Kek-Gardner, will become managing director of Kason Europe. Henry Alamzad will continue as Kason’s president and head of global sales and marketing.