Fortifi Acquires German Protein Processing Company

Fortifi Food Processing Solutions announced that it has acquired the intellectual property, customer relationships, select inventories, and fixed assets of JWE-BANSS GmbH.

Formerly based in Biedenkopf, Germany, BANSS was a manufacturer and provider of primary protein processing systems, equipment, and related parts for more than 140 years.  BANSS designs and manufactures lifting and handling equipment for slaughter lines and cold stores, as well as robot equipment.

The company filed for insolvency during the summer of 2024. Through the asset acquisition, Fortifi becomes the sole legal provider of BANSS aftermarket parts and the exclusive owner of the company’s library of engineered designs and part drawings.

BANSS served customers in 94 countries and has shipped more than 1,100 machines in the past two decades. Fortifi's Frontmatec team will manage the transition and integrate the assets of the business.

"I am pleased to welcome BANSS customers into the Fortifi fold,” said Massimo Bizzi, CEO of Fortifi. “We recognize the vital role that responsive customer service, innovation, high-quality solutions and consistent on-time delivery play in our customers' operations. Through Frontmatec, the Fortifi team is ready to ensure a smooth transition with enhanced service quality.”

"Frontmatec is dedicated to revitalizing relationships with BANSS customers and earning their trust through the delivery of exceptional service and support," said Dennis Gallagher, president of Frontmatec. "In addition to being their sole authorized source of aftermarket parts, we're ready to provide cutting-edge food processing solutions to help drive these customers' business growth and success."

Frontmatec, a part of the Fortifi group of companies since 2022, develops world-leading customized solutions for automation across the entire value chain of the protein industry. Frontmatec's manufacturing facility and offices in Beckum, Germany, will provide customer service, equipment and system support and spare parts to BANSS customers.