Miller Magazine Issue: 115 July 2019

20 NEWS MILLER / JULY 2019 New Latin America acquisition for Premier Tech ADM creates new business unit to accelerate value creation Quebec-based Premier Tech announced the acqui- sition of the company IDTec Automatización. This first acquisition in Mexico will allow Pre- mier Tech to offer local aftermarket support for Mexican and Latin Amer- ican companies. Together, IDTec and Premier Tech aim to exceed expec- tations in terms of client experience especially for technical support, parts deliveries, and preventive maintenance programs on packaging equipment lines. Established in Mexico since 2000, IDTec Automa- tización is a leading integrator of robotic systems spe- cialized in end-of-line applications and material han- dling solutions. Consistent with Premier Tech’s desire to provide world-class after-sales service, the acqui- sition of this growing business will allow Premier Tech to pursue the development of its worldwide client ex- perience. Through this acquisition, IDTec – a Premier Tech company becomes the reference in high performance automated systems for Mexican and Latin American com- panies. Clients of the food and bev- erage, automotive and consumer in- dustries will gain access to a variety of robotic systems, including bottle han- dling, pick and place, sacks and bags handling, vacuum lifting and palletizing. “This relationship will allow us to reach new cli- ents and markets by joining one of the world’s largest supplier of industrial packaging solutions. This col- laborative approach solidifies our commitment to de- liver best-in-class solutions to our clients around the world,” said Gerardo Vallejo, General Director at IDTec Automatización Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) announced the creation of a new business unit called Ag Services & Oilseeds, which combines ADM’s Origination and Oilseed business operations into a single reporting structure, effective July 1. The new business unit will be led by Greg Morris, formerly president, Oilseeds for ADM. “ADM’s abili- ty to provide value through the entire sup- ply chain – from origination to processing to transportation to ingredients and solutions – is what sets us apart from others in the industry,” said Chair- man and CEO Juan Luciano. “Bringing the unparalleled strength of our global origination, global trade and destination marketing businesses and our transporta- tion network together with our leadership in oilseeds processing and value-added product mix is a natural evolution. This helps us better integrate the supply and value chains to deliver significant sim- plification and efficiency to the day-to-day business. “I am personally committed to the strategic value that simplification can bring to our organization, and feel our ability to accelerate purposeful value creation within ADM has never been greater.” The oilseed operation refocus comes short- ly after ADM’s realignment of its U.S. flour milling footprint. In late April, the company announced plans to close one of its two Minneapolis flour mills as well as its flour mill in Salina, Kas. ADM also recently made changes to its grain group leader- ship. Wesley Uhlmeyer, president of the grain group since March 2016, stepped down on April 22 for per- sonal reasons. Christopher L. Boerm, currently presi- dent of ADM’s transportation group, added the title of president of grain. Greg Morris