Corbion Divests Equipment Division Breddo-Likwifier

12 Dec 2016 --- Corbion has agreed to sell its Breddo-Likwifier division to Ensight Solutions LLC (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AmProd Holdings LLC) in order for Corbion to focus on high value-add food ingredients. The sale is effective on December 9.

Breddo-Likwifier is experienced in the manufacture of high-speed stainless steel blenders for over 50 years. Their machines are used in the food industry to manufacture ice cream mixes, candies, reconstituted products, canned condiments, sauces, salad dressings, fillings, instant breakfast and many other similar items. The division’s sales in 2015 were approximately $6 million.

Likwifier machines were first introduced to the dairy industry in 1958 as Lanco Likwifier, in 1977 the name was changed to what it is today, Breddo-Likwifier. The division is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

“The shift in company focus is simply playing to Corbion’s strengths. With our science, and clear understanding of the food market, and our creative people, we know ingredients in food and lactic acid/lactic acid derivatives ingredients for our BioChemistry side of the business,” Jennifer Lindsey, Senior Director – Global Marketing told FoodIngredientsFirst. “Corbion has a rich legacy of knowledge in the areas of Emulsifiers, concentrates and tailored blends, and fermentation core competencies. It is the combination of these strengths that allow us to further focus on working side by side with leading food manufacturers to inspire and develop food products that are affordable, and confidently enjoyed by consumers. The Likwifier business was and is a wonderful business, but ultimately was not a strategic fit going forward. Food processing equipment is not a focus area for Corbion and the new owners, EnSight Solutions are experts in this area,” she added.

Corbion is the global market leader in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives and lactides, and a leading company in emulsifiers, functional enzyme blends, minerals and vitamins. The company delivers high performance biobased products made from renewable resources and applied in global markets such as bakery, meat, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, home and personal care, packaging, automotive, coatings and adhesives. Its products have a differentiating functionality in all kinds of consumer products worldwide. In 2015, Corbion generated annual sales of € 918.3 million and had a workforce of 1,673 FTE.

When asked about things to expect from Corbion in 2017, Lindsey noted that you will find Corbion continuing to engage with leading food manufacturers in collaboration to develop food products that are delicious and safe. “Keep in mind that all of us at Corbion are consumers too, so we have a keen interest in developing solutions for today’s food market challenges such as: cleaner food labels and enhanced safe shelf life, balancing convenience for the consumer and delivering healthful, affordable foods. We believe that innovation occurs at the intersection of collaboration with our customers. We do this always with conscience choices in mind, we are a bio-based ingredient company so we act with a sustainable mind-set,” she concludes.

by Robin Wyers