GEA Farm Technologies has increased its expertise in pastoral based dairy farming with the acquisition of the Milfos International Group.

With its headquarters based in Hamilton, New Zealand, Milfos is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative dairy technologies offering a comprehensive range of milking, cooling, stalling and automation solutions along with service and maintenance programmes focused on grazing farm applications. This acquisition clears the way for GEA Farm Technologies to fully participate in growth opportunities within all pastoral farming markets worldwide and specifically within the key market of New Zealand.

“This acquisition is another important step in the GEA Farm Technologies Total Solutions Strategy. The Milfos product portfolio enables us to better meet the requirements of grazing markets by offering best-in-class tailored solutions. In addition, our combined sales channels will strengthen our position in Asia Pacific and increase GEA Farm Technologies influence in emerging markets” says Dr. Ulrich Hüllmann, CEO and Segment President of GEA Farm Technologies.

“This acquisition offers significant benefits to our customers. Our companies share strong common values and innovative spirit. These elements are at the heart of our daily activities and our drive to deliver technological advances that create sustainable value for our customers into the future” says Jamie Mikkelson, CEO and Co-Shareholder of Milfos International Ltd.

Paul Gerrard, Managing Director of GEA Farm Technologies UK, added:  “This acquisition will further bolster our product range and help us to be the Total Solutions provider to all dairy farmers.”

Milfos, exporting to more than 20 countries, was formed in 1987 and has more than 100 employees. It has a strong background in precision stainless steel manufacturing and the company has diversified into electronics, plastics and mild steel products. With a policy of adopting in-house manufacturing the company controls all aspects of the product life cycle, including research, design, production and delivery.