French fries deal nets Tomra millions

The order by the undisclosed manufacturer represents the first major tranche of business to follow the merger of US equipment suppliers Odenberg and Best, said Tomra. Equipment delivery is estimated to start early in 2013.

Tomra bought Odenberg in 2011 and followed this with the purchase of Belgium-based Best Sorting in June this year.

Its merger of the two businesses has created an entity that can supply ‘farm to fork’ sorting, safety and quality solutions. The companies design and supply high-performance optical sorters and graders, peeling or process analytical systems and chilling and freezing solutions.

Market orientated strategy​

“These contracts are the first acknowledgement of our market orientated strategy, and how the combined technologies of Odenberg and Best make us a preferred supplier,”​ said Tomra president and chief executive Stefan Ranstrand.

Rune Marthinussen, head of Tomra Sorting Solutions, added: “Tomra Sorting Solutions now has an extensive product portfolio of sorting, steam peeling and process analytics technologies, which was a crucial factor for the customer when deciding for Tomra.”​

A spokesman for Tomra, commenting on the recent acquisitions and merger, told FoodProductionDaily: “By having access to a larger group of R&D people, the development of new technologies will hasten as well.”​

Strong strategic fit​

Best was a strong strategic fit, complementing Tomra Sorting Solutions' portfolio by adding leading sorting technologies, based on laser, camera and x-ray, said Tomra. Best, in turn, now had access to all Tomra Sorting Solutions’ sensor technologies, it added.

The acquisition of Best meant Tomra now had 6,500 machines installed worldwide, the company claimed.

Six of the top 10 global food companies are Tomra Sorting Solutions customers and the organisation’s systems are used in the production of about 65% of all French fries worldwide.