Duravant aquired WECO an optical sorting technology provider

Duravant LLC, global engineered equipment and automation solutions provider to the packaging, food processing, and material handling sectors, announced the conclusion of its acquisition of Woodside Electronics Corporation, a top manufacturer of optical color and defect sorting equipment. The acquisition deal was first announced on 10 February 2020, and on 26 March 2020, Duravant completed the acquisition.

WECO has been a leading company in optical sorting technology for agricultural producers for more than 30 years. The company designs, builds, and provides services for highly intelligent optical color and defect sorting systems and moisture monitoring systems. With headquarters in Woodland, CA, WECO serves and provides national and multi-national customers with automation solutions that allow them to increase productivity and efficiency throughout their operations. WECO’s portfolio includes highly differentiated and exclusive vision technology and software systems that are designed and created to deliver high-quality optics and perfect sorting performance.

According to Mike Kachmer, President and CEO of Duravant, WECO is a great addition to Duravant. Its culture of customer-centric innovation and commitment to rapid new product development has been at the core of its success.

Serving producers of agricultural products in their essence end markets of vegetables, fruits, and nuts, WECO has increased its offerings to deliver inspection and sorting solutions for high-value applications, including coffee cherries, wine grapes, hops, and olives. WECO has created a unique value proposition for its clients with purchase and leasing models that allow operators to maximize their throughput during critical periods of their production cycle.

WECO moves us into new markets with equipment and software solutions that are complementary to Key Technology’s offerings, adds Mr. Kachmer. Together, we can deliver an even more comprehensive set of food processing automation solutions to our customers.

Don Douglas, President of WECO, adds, We’re excited to join the Duravant family of operating companies officially. We share the same commitment to developing long-term relationships with our customers. Additionally, Duravant’s global presence and strong service infrastructure will stimulate our growth and enhance our ability to be a lifelong trusted advisor for our customers.

Duravant is a global automation and engineered equipment organization with sales, manufacturing, and service facilities throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, headquartered in Downers Grove, IL. Through their portfolio of operating companies, Duravant presents trusted end-to-end process resolutions for customers and partners through engineering, project management, integration expertise, and operational excellence. With global sales distribution and service networks, it provides immediate and lifetime aftermarket sales support to all the markets they serve in the packaging, food processing, and material handling sectors. Duravant’s market-leading brands are synonymous with durability, innovation, and reliability.