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Food processing automation specialist Fortifi Food Processing Solutions has completed the acquisition of UK equipment manufacturer Deighton Manufacturing UK Ltd, strengthening its capabilities in forming, portioning, coating and frying technologies.

The acquisition forms part of Fortifi's strategy to broaden its portfolio of end-to-end food processing solutions, enabling the company to serve processors ranging from smaller manufacturers to high-volume industrial operations.

Based in the UK, Deighton has more than 25 years' experience designing equipment for forming, portioning, coating and frying applications. Its systems are used across the protein, seafood, dairy and bakery sectors, producing a wide variety of products including burgers, nuggets, coated appetisers, vegetables, cookies and international foods.

Massimo Bizzi, CEO of Fortifi Food Processing Solutions, said: "Deighton expands Fortifi's capabilities in modular, flexible and lower-throughput applications, broadening our reach to a wider range of food processors while complementing our expertise in large-scale processing."

Bizzi added: "Together with Nothum Food Processing Systems and Provisur Technologies, we now offer forming, coating and thermal processing solutions across virtually every production environment."

The deal also expands Fortifi's presence in the UK, with Deighton becoming the company's fourth brand operating in the market alongside Frontmatec, Provisur and Wyma.

According to Fortifi, Deighton's established customer base across the UK and Europe, combined with its presence in growth markets including Latin America, India and Southeast Asia, will support the company's international expansion strategy.

Mark Dowdle, executive vice president of strategy and business development at Fortifi, said: "The acquisition expands our ability to support food processors across a broader range of production environments while accelerating our growth strategy in emerging markets."

Deighton managing director Andy Hamilton said joining Fortifi would provide additional resources to support future growth while maintaining the company's focus on equipment performance and operational flexibility.

"Deighton has always focused on delivering practical, high-performance systems that help customers improve efficiency, product quality and operational flexibility," Hamilton said. "As part of Fortifi, we are well positioned to build on that legacy with expanded global reach, stronger resources and continued investment in innovation."

As part of the transaction, Deighton employees will become eligible to participate in Fortifi's employee ownership programme.

Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, Fortifi Food Processing Solutions supplies automation and processing equipment to food manufacturers worldwide. The company's portfolio includes brands serving meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, bakery and fresh produce processors, with technologies designed to improve productivity, product quality, yield and worker safety.

The addition of Deighton further strengthens Fortifi's capabilities in coating and thermal processing, extending its range of processing solutions for manufacturers across multiple food categories.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Top image: © Fortifi