Koch Separation Solutions acquires processing tech firm Relco

Koch Separation Solutions (KSS) has acquired Relco, a provider of process technologies for companies in the dairy and food industries.

Founded in 1982, Relco’s processing solutions include cheese making systems, evaporators, drying systems and powder handling systems; and the company serves over 500 customers in several markets worldwide.

According to a statement from KSS, the addition of Relco’s thermal technology enhances KSS’ overall solutions offering to better serve dairy as well as food and beverage customers for several applications, including fruit-juice, biotechnology, starch and sugar, nutraceutical, and both plant- and animal-based protein applications.

Manny Singh, president of KSS, said: “The acquisition of Relco marks an important step in KSS’s transformation to become an integrated solutions provider, delivering superior value to existing and new customers.

“We believe that separation challenges in the dairy, food, and other industries are complex and rarely solved with one technology. The acquisition of Relco adds complementary evaporation and drying technologies to the existing membrane and ion exchange offering of KSS.

“This combined product offering, along with deep applications knowledge, will ensure a seamlessly integrated solution while delivering maximum value to our customers.”

Mark Litchfield, president of Relco, added: “To be acquired by a company as successful and respected as KSS is a vindication of our vision, the dedication of our teams, and the relationships we have developed.

“This acquisition will allow us to offer integrated and innovative membrane filtration and ion exchange systems with our solutions targeting value addition, energy efficiency, and waste minimalisation. KSS offers ideal growth conditions for an innovative and quality-focused company like Relco, and we are excited to be a part of this expansion.”