APV Baker, a leading supplier of process equipment and services to the food and extrusion industries worldwide, has been acquired from Invensys plc by private investors John Cowx and Brian Taylor. The new company will trade as Baker Perkins.
The business is based in Peterborough, UK and Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. It is a leader in process technology for the bakery, biscuit, cookie, confectionery, breakfast cereal and snack sectors; and in extrusion technology for the food, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors
John Cowx, who becomes Managing Director and Brian Taylor, Chairman, have acquired the company as a long term investment for its strong engineering, innovative process technology, global distribution network and highly developed customer services.
John Cowx says, “We are committed to the long term development of the business. We believe that the freedom of a stand-alone enterprise will allow us to release the skills and potential within the company through a more flexible, focused and entrepreneurial culture.
“Baker Perkins is a superb company with a history of technological leadership going back more than a century. That leadership is based on process and engineering expertise backed by creative development of end products that help customers build new markets and increase market share.
“Baker Perkins’ traditional qualities of reliability and quality are highly relevant in today’s market. We will continue to improve the value we offer customers, through a range of products and services that meet their specific needs.”
Baker Perkins Ltd. at Peterborough and Baker Perkins Inc. at Grand Rapids will continue to operate from their existing premises, and all employees are transferring to the new company.