NEWS
A world first
in synthetic wire rope
K
ONECRANES HAS LAUNCHED its S-series overhead crane. After years of research, development and testing, the new unit includes Konecrane’s unique synthetic wire rope hoist. The hoist offers a barb-free operation, reduced maintenance costs coupled with safer handling and easier load carrying. Emil Berning, managing director of Konecranes and Demag explains, “Konecranes has always believed that investment into research and development delivers improved performance and enhanced safety to its range of cranes and associated equipment. We are proud to launch this ground breaking wire rope hoist and to be one of the first crane
Konecrane S-series overhead crane
manufacturers globally to introduce synthetic rope in standard serial products.” The S-series offers customers innovative solutions in motor drives, off-set reeving systems, clutches and brakes – elements that perform better, last longer, offer greater operational savings, contribute to a cleaner and quieter environment and adds
greater operational safety. “We believe that our new S-series will reset the industry benchmark. Its radical redesign sets new standards. It really is not merely an update: it is the new benchmark. I see major benefits to production industries such as food and beverage, amongst others,” Berning concludes. •
INGREDION TO ACQUIRE CONTROLLING 75% STAKE IN PURECIRCLE INGREDION AND PURECIRCLE have announced that they have reached agreement on the terms for Ingredion to acquire a controlling 75% stake in PureCircle, a producer of stevia sweeteners for the global food and beverage industries. The proposed acquisition has been approved by the boards of both companies. The companies expect the transaction to close during the second half of 2020, subject to approval by PureCircle’s shareholders and receipt of the required regulatory approvals. Until then, Ingredion and PureCircle will remain separate, independent companies with separate product portfolios and go-to-market teams. Ingredion has followed the development of PureCircle for several years and believes that it is a fundamentally attractive and robust business that will be a great fit with Ingredion’s long-term strategy, given PureCircle’s leadership position in this space. Beyond its leadership in the market, PureCircle brings innovation and manufacturing expertise related to stevia. Upon completion, both companies will be able to build on these strengths. PureCircle will be able to leverage Ingredion’s global go-to-market network, as well as its formulation expertise and broad product portfolio, which will drive growth synergies, as well as
significant savings for both companies. “PureCircle is a widely recognised innovator with a proven track record for producing great-tasting, plant-based stevia. Ingredion’s successful and global go-to-market
model combined with our formulation expertise will be highly complementary with PureCircle’s capabilities,” concludes Ingredion’s president and chief executive officer Jim Zallie. •
2020 Quarter 2 | Food Manufacturing Africa
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