ThreeSixty were advisors to the Jenkins Group for this transaction

August 14 , 2019

Jenkins Group, a key industry player throughout Australasia’s horticulture post-harvest industry, is teaming up with CR Automation (CRA), an award-winning automation and control systems manufacturer, to deliver a range of automation services to post-harvest operators across Australasia.

Following recent collaboration on a number of projects, Jenkins Group has announced it is taking a 50% equity stake in the manufacturer.

Together the leading innovators hope to aid post-harvest operators. They aim to help these workers enhance efficiency, meet compliance needs and overcome labor shortages, says Jenkins Group.

Managing Director of Jenkins Group, Tony Sayle, says the combination of skills, products and services that the two organizations will now provide will be game-changing for the horticultural industry.

“The Internet of Things (IoT) and automation are clear requirements for our horticulture sector to excel and thrive in a global economy and soar through its ambitious target of being a US$10 billion industry by 2020,” Sayle says.

“Jenkins Group Ltd has a long history of innovation and we have decided to invest in CRA to bring together our existing pack-line automation solutions with the cutting-edge integration and line management capability that CRA are renown for delivering across Australasia and around the world.

“This new partnership will provide industry-leading produce handling capability to a post-harvest industry screaming out for efficiencies and solutions to its labor supply woes and escalating compliance needs.”

Sayle says product security, authenticity and traceability are becoming vital elements of the supply chain. Moreover, he notes Jenkins Group recognizes the need to supply an increasing range of automation solutions to meet the changing demands of its clients.

“CR Automation are a world-class developer and provider of automation and control systems. We’re impressed by their engineering capacity, and our horticultural clients will certainly benefit from their services and products. Together we intend to lead the field across post-harvest produce handling, FMCG production automation and municipal asset monitoring.”

Potential of both companies ‘realized’ through partnership

CR Automation’s services encompass the food and beverage industry.

They also extend to water and wastewater, materials handling, cool storage, meat and wool processing and general manufacturing.

Their capabilities range from machine safety through to electrical and software engineering, industrial IT, robotics and project management, says Jenkins Group.

Earlier this year they won the “Most Innovative Solution” award for ABB robotics at the ASIA Value Provider Conference 2019.

“We wanted a partner founded on similar ideals who could also provide market access beyond our existing client base,” Richards explains. 

He adds that Jenkins tackles industry challenges and wants to provide solutions by extending their service offering.

“CR Automation will be delighted to help them do just that. We’re excited about what the future holds as the potential of both companies is realized through this new equity partnership,” he concludes.