World Grain - January 2017 - 94

SUPPLIER NEWS

AGI closes Yargus acquisition
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA - Ag Growth International
Inc. (AGI) has closed its previously announced acquisition of Yargus
Manufacturing, Inc. Based in Marshall, Illinois, U.S., Yargus is
a manufacturer of material handling equipment used primarily in
commercial fertilizer applications.
Yargus is recognized for its custom design and manufacturing
expertise, and its product offering, sold under the brand name Layco,
includes tower blender systems, batch blending systems, control
systems, in-plant receiving, automated coating systems, conditioners/
delumpers, performance mixers, declining weight/volumetric blend
systems, and conveyor systems.
The acquisition of Yargus expands AGI's North American fertilizer
handling platform, both geographically and in terms of service

offering. Yargus has a presence in the U.S., as well as a growing
international presence, both of which are highly complementary to
AGI's current material handling footprint, AGI said. Yargus recently
has made investments in plant equipment, senior personnel, and
product development, and when combined with AGI's existing
divisions, will be well positioned to compete in both local and
international markets.
AGI is a manufacturer of portable and stationary grain handling,
storage and conditioning equipment, including augers, belt
conveyors, grain storage bins, grain handling accessories, grain
aeration equipment and grain drying systems. AGI has manufacturing
facilities in Canada, the U.S., Italy, Brazil and the U.K., and distributes
its products globally.

Bühler Aeroglide appoints new director of product management
CARY, NORTH CAROLINA, U.S. - Bühler
Aeroglide, a leader in thermal process
engineering and technology for food, feed,
and industrial materials, has appointed Paul
Branson director of product management.
In this role Branson will advance the
leadership position of Bühler Aeroglide's
product portfolio with an emphasis on
increasing quality, reducing production
Branson
cycles, and developing advanced products
and solutions. Most recently, Branson was product manager for
Aeroglide's global industrial markets.
"As we work to increase our regional market knowledge and gain
a deeper understanding of customer needs in emerging markets,
Paul will implement corporate strategies that ensure our products
remain strong and relative to market dynamics," said Andy Sharpe,
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Branson brings the technical expertise and insight needed to push
forward as the company continues on one of the most ambitious
product development drives in its history, Sharpe said.

The new Solis dryer is one developing innovation within a portfolio
of targets that answers a critical need for pet food and aquafeed
manufacturers, the company said. Working closely with food safety
teams, Branson will oversee the completion of this high-hygiene, dry
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Following the Ceres RTE design multi-national food manufacturers
called revolutionary, the Solis will be engineered to help pet food and
aquafeed processors with the same needs.
"I'm looking forward to this new role, to help lead business
development and realize Bühler Aeroglide's product vision,"
Branson said. "Most important is that we maintain our legacy of
market differentiation and continue to bring the unique value that
enables our customers to be successful."
Branson started his career as a process engineer with the National
Drying Machinery Co. in 1984. He advanced to vice-president of
sales and technology as Bühler Group acquired National in 2004.
Prior to National, Branson worked as a research engineer for food
products with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Branson has a
bachelor's of science degree in chemical engineering from Drexel
University and is a registered professional engineer.

Bratney receives Iowa Venture Award
DES MOINES, IOWA, U.S. - The Bratney Companies was recently
recognized with the Iowa Venture Award for its continued growth
and commitment to Iowa. The award was given to Bratney and six
other companies by the Iowa Area Development Group (IADG).
Bratney's most recent expansion was the creation of a
manufacturing division resulting in the construction of a new
12,000-square-foot fabrication facility located on a 6-acre plot in the
Marshalltown Gateway Centre, IADG said. Bratney Companies is
comprised of three separate companies, two Iowa, U.S.-based and
one based in California, U.S.
These three related companies work collaboratively to build
facilities and provide equipment to companies in the seed, grain,
whole foods, and animal feed industries. The company is family
owned and has three generations of family members serving on
the board of directors. Bratney Companies was nominated for the
94

Iowa Venture Award by Consumers Energy.
For 29 years, IADG has presented Iowa Venture Awards to
individuals and organizations, both large and small, in recognition
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entrepreneurial leadership, innovation and the creation of job
opportunities. History has demonstrated that these are among the
most accomplished and successful companies in the state, IADG
said. Together the companies are helping to sustain and grow
Iowa's economy.
"The Iowa Venture Awards Luncheon provides a forum to
celebrate the courage, contribution, innovation responsibility and
vision of Iowa entrepreneurs," said Rand Fisher, president of
IADG. "IADG, on behalf of our sponsors, is proud to recognize
these seven outstanding companies for their contribution to their
community, region and state."
January 2017 / World Grain / www.World-Grain.com
http://www.World-Grain.com
World Grain - January 2017

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