Tetra Pak, the world leader in food processing and packaging solutions, today announced that it has acquired the assets of two specialised food processing companies, Downer MBL Pty Ltd and Downer MBL, from Australian-based Downer EDI (ASX:DOW).

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, will strengthen Tetra Pak’s portfolio of complete production solutions for cheese and dairy powder by adding new process engineering, materials handling and project management expertise for evaporation, drying, powder handling and whey processing.

“The acquisition of Downer MBL strengthens our end-to-end processing solutions for cheese and dairy powder by providing us with additional resources, knowledge and competence. In addition, our expanded presence in Oceania will help strengthen our global customer partnerships as the New Zealand powder industry is considered one of the benchmarks for innovative powder solutions worldwide,” said Sam Strömerstén, President, Tetra Pak Processing Systems.

Geoff Wilson, General Manager, Downer MBL said: “We have enjoyed working with Tetra Pak as its representative in New Zealand, and we believe that our process engineering and project management expertise will create further opportunities with Tetra Pak’s food processing solutions worldwide. This next step is a natural progression in the development of our respective companies.”

Over the last 16 years, Downer MBL has served as both a sales agent and production solutions partner to Tetra Pak in Oceania. According to the terms of the agreement between Tetra Pak and Downer EDI, 37 Downer MBL employees and 19 contractors throughout Australia, China and New Zealand will become part of Tetra Pak Cheese and Powder Systems, a division of Tetra Pak Processing Systems, in their respective markets. Downer MBL employees based in China and Australia will join the local Tetra Pak market company, while employees in New Zealand will continue to be based in Hamilton. Tetra Pak will also become responsible for completing all customer contracts on behalf of Downer EDI. This becomes effective immediately.

Downer MBL was the specialised food process engineering division of Downer EDI. Currently serving the food and dairy markets in Oceania and Asia, Downer MBL specialises in new plant sales, plant relocation, upgrades and development, and implementing materials handling solutions for the food, dairy, beverage and related sectors. The company is based in Hamilton, New Zealand.

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ABOUT TETRA PAK

Tetra Pak is the world's leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working closely with our customers and suppliers, we provide safe, innovative and environmentally sound products that each day meet the needs of hundreds of millions of people around the world. With over 20,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, we believe in responsible industry leadership and a sustainable approach to business. Our motto, “PROTECTS WHAT’S GOOD,"™ reflects our vision to make food safe and available, everywhere.

More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com

About Downer EDI

Downer EDI Limited (www.downeredi.com) is an Australian top-100 company that provides comprehensive engineering and infrastructure management services to the public and private transport, energy, communications and resources sectors across Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific and into the United Kingdom.