Big contracts strengthen global customer ties

Dunedin-based Scott Technology has secured over NZ$12 million of materials handling and logistics contracts across Europe and North America, supporting continued growth with key customers and expansion into adjacent food processing sectors.

The contracts include an extension order with Dutch vegetable processor Bakker, a new palletising installation for a large-scale frozen potato facility in Canada, and an integrated palletising and automated guided vehicle solution for a major poultry processor within the JBS Group in Georgia, USA.

"The automation of global food production is a structural shift, and it's accelerating,” says CEO Mike Christman.

The Bakker contract extends an existing multi-line automation project through the installation of central pallet conveyor systems connecting multiple production zones, demonstrating continued growth within Scott’s installed base.

The Canadian frozen potato processor project comprises a new multiline palletising installation for an existing strategic global customer, reinforcing Scott’s key account management approach in a core food processing sector.

The US protein project, with a major poultry processor in the JBS Group, includes four palletising systems and four NexBot automated guided vehicle solutions, further strengthening Scott’s relationship with JBS and expanding its presence within the North American protein sector.

The contracts continue strong momentum established in the first half of the current year for the materials handling and logistics part of the company, which reported revenue of $65 million (up 21% on pcp) and net margin of 26% (up three percentage points on pcp). During the period, the group secured new contracts across Europe, Australia and North America, including projects with PepsiCo, Danone, Essity, EMPWR, Farm Frites, Boeing and Gallo.