Sticomax Expands Food Processing Portfolio With ICS Spiral Freezers Acquisition
Belgian machine engineering group Sticomax has acquired Dutch spiral freezer specialist ICS Spiral Freezers, strengthening its capabilities in freezing, cooling and proofing technologies as it continues its expansion strategy in the global food processing sector.
The transaction, announced on 26 May, marks the fifth Dutch acquisition completed by Sticomax in just over two years. Supported by investment partner Vybros Capital Partners, the group has previously added Romonta, ViwateQ, DTS and FoodeQ to its portfolio.
Based in the Netherlands, ICS Spiral Freezers designs and manufactures spiral freezers, spiral coolers and spiral proofing towers for industrial bakeries and food producers. The company supplies customised systems ranging from compact installations to large-scale units up to ten metres high, with capacities reaching 100,000 croissants per hour.
According to Sticomax, the addition of ICS broadens the group’s technological offering and enhances its ability to deliver fully integrated production lines. The company highlighted the energy efficiency, hygienic design and product handling characteristics of the ICS systems, including horizontal airflow technology and integrated cleaning-in-place functionality designed to support stable production and food safety.
The acquisition forms part of Sticomax’s strategy of building a network of complementary niche engineering businesses while allowing individual companies to retain their operational autonomy. ICS will continue to be led by its existing management team — Wilfred Wander, Isard Dubois and Alex van der Ree — who will report directly to the Sticomax group management.
Commenting on the transaction, the ICS management team said: “Our technologies and markets complement each other perfectly. Becoming part of Sticomax allows us to accelerate our growth and better support our customers with integrated solutions.”
The combined expertise of the group now spans process and transport technology, thermal systems and hygienic solutions, positioning Sticomax as an integrated supplier for complex food production environments.
Sticomax CEO Lode De Boe described the acquisition as a strategic step in the company’s development.
“With ICS, we strengthen our expertise in freezing, cooling and proofing processes and further expand our offering across the entire food processing value chain. This acquisition fits perfectly within our ambition to become a global reference as an integrator of complete production lines for the food industry. At the same time, our growth also creates new opportunities for project talent and technical specialists who want to help build a robust international industrial group.”
Following the completion of the deal, Sticomax said the combined group is approaching annual revenues of €125 million and employs nearly 300 people.