STUTTGART, GERMANY — K-Tron, a supplier of feeding, pneumatic conveying and systems engineering solutions, has changed its name to Coperion K-Tron.
The decision to integrate K-Tron into Coperion represents the next step in Coperion’s strategy. Coperion was acquired by Batesville, Ind.-based Hillenbrand, Inc. in December 2012, and K-Tron has been part of Hillenbrand’s Process Equipment Group since 2010.
“Operating under the Coperion name is a decisive and indispensable component of our corporate strategy, which aims to further expand our position in the global market,” said Thomas Kehl, president of Coperion. “This brand strategy will allow our customers to comprehend our globally unique range of products more easily. It also enables us to more easily utilize the forces of globalization to our own advantage.”
Coperion K-Tron also announced that it, along with Vortex Valves, will be initial anchor tenants at a new bulk solids innovation center being built in Salina, Kas. The center will be used to study and increase the understanding of bulk solids materials handling. Examples of bulk solids are loose, dry commodities or ingredients such as sugar, starch, minerals, chemicals, pigments, fillers, plastic resin and recycled plastics.
The building will include open and enclosed laboratory areas to allow for collaborative and proprietary research projects by the building’s tenants.
Kansas State University, the Salina Chamber of Commerce, the Salina Economic Development Corp. and several private companies are the primary partners in the $3.5 million project. The 13,000-square-foot facility will be called the Kansas State University Bulk Solids Innovation Center.
Todd Smith, general manager of K-Tron Salina and vice-president of K-Tron Global Systems, said a facility and programs for bulk solids research are needed.
“Industry leaders all over the country recognize that formal education and research in this area are lacking, and they need the improvements that this center can bring,” Mr. Smith said. “A number of them already have research projects in mind, and they like the idea of having an independent center where they can send their materials for analysis and recommendations. Having Kansas State University lead the center is a great way to get the results we need.”
