Kronen, a German-based manufacturer specializing in food processing technology for fruits, vegetables, and salads, has announced a strategic partnership with Urschel Laboratories Inc., a U.S.-based company in industrial cutting and milling equipment for the food industry. This collaboration aims to enhance both companies' market positions, pool their expertise, and expand their sales reach, particularly in the United States, Mexico, and Asia.
Under the partnership, Urschel will begin selling Kronen's machines and processing lines in the United States and Mexico starting in July 2025. Sales operations in Asia will transition to Urschel in 2026, with the exception of Vietnam, where Kronen will maintain its existing sales network. Both companies will continue to operate independently, retaining their production facilities in Kehl and Achern, Germany (Kronen), and Chesterton, USA (Urschel).
© Kronen
The cooperation will enable Urschel to broaden its product range beyond cutting and milling systems by incorporating Kronen's solutions for processing, including disinfection, preparation, peeling, cutting, mixing, washing, drying, conveying, weighing, and packaging. This allows Urschel to offer comprehensive processing solutions to customers in the targeted regions.
The partnership will also involve mutual investment and expertise sharing. Urschel will acquire a minority stake in Kronen, providing capital to support Kronen's planned investments in its production sites in Kehl and Achern, Germany. These investments are expected to enhance production capacity and accelerate the development of new food processing solutions.
Kronen will maintain its network of representatives in approximately 80 countries, continuing to operate independently while benefiting from expanded access to Urschel's well-established sales network in the United States, Mexico, and Asia. The two companies aim to leverage their combined expertise to better serve customers with a broader range of processing equipment.
Alan Major, a member of Urschel's Board of Directors, stated that the partnership aligns with Urschel's goals of expanding its product offerings and leveraging synergies between the two companies. Kronen's management, led by Stephan Zillgith, Eric Lefebvre, and Johannes Günther, will continue to oversee operations at Kronen, ensuring the company's independent management while benefiting from the partnership's expanded market reach.
Both companies emphasize that the partnership will not affect their independent operations, with each maintaining its brand identity and existing production facilities. The collaboration is expected to strengthen their positions in the global food processing technology market, providing enhanced solutions for customers across multiple regions.
For more information:
Kira Krollpfeiffer
Kronen
Tel.: +49 (0)7854 9646 160
E-mail: [email protected]
www.kronen.eu
Christina Maier-Streif
Kronen
Tel.: +49 (0)7854 9646 161
E-mail: [email protected]
