RICHMOND, VA. — AMF Bakery Systems has entered an agreement to merge with BakeTech Bakery Systems.

A baking equipment supplier based in Tucker, Ga., BakeTech’s product line includes proofers, ovens, pan cooling systems, product cooling systems, control stations and automatic fermentation systems.

The company lists among its clients each of the largest baking companies in the United States as well as baking companies in Germany, New Zealand, Mexico, England, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Poland and Sweden.

“As Bob Miller (a BakeTech executive) and I approach our retirement, we were concerned about the future of our company and how to best position it to continue leading the industry in both technology and service,” said Geri Walker, president of BakeTech. “The two of us along with Stephen Smith (another BakeTech executive), who will continue working for many years, were particularly concerned about our customers as well as the people who work at BakeTech.

“When we looked at our industry, we concluded that AMF was the best place to ensure the legacy we have worked over 20 years to create. They have a similar commitment to our customers and our people as well as a financial situation that gives the industry great confidence that they will be around for many, many years. It was the only place we felt would enhance BakeTech and continue to support our people and our customers like we would.”

The transaction is expected to close in the next 90 days. Financial terms of the transaction were not released. BakeTech will continue to operate as a part of AMF Bakery Systems in the Tucker facility.

“We are excited for the great people of BakeTech to join the AMF team,” said Ken Newsome, president of AMF. “BakeTech has become the clear leader in both technology and service for continuous systems in the past few years, and we will do all we can to support the team in Tucker.”

A major manufacturer of high speed baking equipment, AMF’s offerings cover mixing, dividing, make-up, proofing, baking, cooling, packaging, basket/case loading and product distribution.

In addition to its Richmond headquarters, AMF offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Canada, Central/South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand.