IPEG Buys Pelletron

IPEG Inc., Cranberry Township, Pa., has announced that it has acquired Pelletron Corp, a leading supplier of pneumatic conveying systems, dust-removal systems and related products. Pelletron will operate as an independent subsidiary at its existing location in Lancaster, Pa., IPEG said in a press release. Financial terms were not disclosed. IPEG is also the parent company of Conair, Thermal Care and Republic Machine.

Conair also designs and sells material conveying systems, but IPEG CEO Chris Keller states the two companies are not competitors. “Whereas Conair offers vacuum-based systems that might convey hundreds or thousands of pounds per hour, Pelletron offers pressure-driven systems that are used by resin producers to handle thousands and tens of thousands of pounds per hour. There is virtually no overlap,” Keller explained.

Pelletron, founded in 1987 by Jerry Paulson, has been operated by Heinz Schneider and Paul Wagner since 2003 and owned by them since 2008. The two will remain in their current roles of president and vice president, respectively. All other employees are also expected to remain with the company.  

Pelletron focuses on design and engineering, with numerous patents for products such as pellecon3, a new smart and economical conveying process; DeDuster systems to remove dust and streamers from conveyed materials; and the Pellbow, a patented elbow for conveying piping that prevents pellet damage and equipment wear in high-velocity conveying and abrasive material applications.

“There is potential for Conair to source some equipment from Pelletron and vice versa,” Keller admits, “However, our primary focus is to help Pelletron grow doing what they do best, engineering high-throughput pneumatic conveying systems. Part of our growth strategy is to acquire solid companies, give them autonomy and invest in their growth.  This is no different.”

IPEG ownership will give Pelletron desired financial strength to handle large projects that can run into the millions of dollars, the company said. “Our growth has been limited by our size, not by our know-how or capability” explains Schneider. “With the strong financial backing and global footprint of IPEG, which is much larger than Pelletron, our customers will be able to have more confidence in our ability to handle these larger projects.”

Pelletron has a European subsidiary, pelletroneurope GmbH, located in Bodnegg, Germany, and distributors and partners around the world.