August 25, 2009 – ABI partners with ABB Robotics to provide the most technologically advanced, integrated lines in the baking industry.

ABI, a leading global manufacturer of bakery automation equipment, announced today the first major sale of its new integrated robotic bakery line since partnering with ABB Robotics – the largest manufacturer of robots worldwide. The company’s seamless integration of ABB’s advanced robotic technology increases the efficiency and accuracy for all ABI bakery equipment solutions.

"ABI has always been a leader in its vertical. Their exceptionally strong track record of successful integration signalled right away its value as a partner, " said ABB’s Mikael Packalén. "That’s a major reason we chose to partner with ABI in the manufacturing of bakery equipment. "

Since the partnership – forged by Packalén and ABI VP of Business Development, Paul Hill – ABI has also developed strong working ties with Barrett Technology, Cognex and Schunk, making sure that the vision systems and end-of-arm tooling used in the bakery lines are of the highest calibre.

ABI will exhibit their new robotic line advancement at the upcoming "iba", the industry’s largest international trade show. "With robotic tools added to our automation expertise, we are setting the new standard for equipment in the baking industry, " said ABI President Alex Kuperman. "The future of bakery automation is here today. "

At the "iba" show ABI will display one of the many new capabilities of the robotic system, whereby any malformed or incomplete products are visually appraised and rejected automatically, while the accepted products are placed onto carriers for further processing. To complement the robotic inspection and placement system, ABI will also exhibit its state-of-the-art rack loading/unloading technology along with its core competency in the bagel forming process.

ABI has taken significant steps to ensure that the momentum for the new robotic initiative stays strong. ABI has garnered government support for the project, at both the provincial and federal levels.

In future months, ABI looks forward to expanding the range of its robotic initiative and developing its own Cognex-based vision system geared specifically for colour analysis in the bakery environment. Further plans will centre on expansion into other food and drug-related industries, specifically protein, dairy and pharmaceuticals.

ABB Robotics is a leading supplier of industrial robots – also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 160,000 robots worldwide.

October 2007 - ABI LTD. is honoured to receive the Innovator of the Year Award from Baking Management Magazine.

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The Gemini Bakery Equipment Company and ABI LTD announced a joint engineering, manufacturing and marketing agreement between the two firms.

The agreement will allow Gemini and ABI to offer the latest generation of industrial bagel manufacturing equipment that incorporates the “best of the best” design and performance features.

The Gemini Bakery Equipment Company has been a designer, manufacturer and importer of specialty bread and roll equipment and systems since its establishment in 1971. Co-owned by Werner & Pfleiderer, a German manufacturer of premium bakery equipment, Gemini has sales and manufacturing locations in Philadelphia and York, Pennsylvania.

Gemini purchased the technology and manufacturing rights for the complete line of bagel makeup equipment formerly produced by Baking Machines, Inc. of Livermore, California, in 2001.

This agreement assigns all sales of joint venture equipment for the United States and some key Canadian accounts to Gemini. ABI LTD will represent Gemini in various Canadian markets.

Gemini's Executive Vice President, Ken Johnson, commented, “This joint venture will allow both companies to incorporate the best technology, the best innovations and the best features into a superior line of bagel equipment. This is an exciting program.”

Gemini's President, Mark Rosenberg, stated that “Gemini is thrilled to join forces with a growing, dynamic company like ABI. Their quality focus and their design and manufacturing expertise complement Gemini’s high standards. The combined bagel expertise and the design synergies between the two companies will result in a superior line of quality equipment. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with ABI.”

According to ABI's President, Alex Kuperman, "We at ABI LTD are proud to be associated with a distinguished and well known company like Gemini. We look forward to representing Gemini in our markets in Canada. ABI and Gemini have begun manufacturing the "next generation" of industrial bagel production equipment. The combined technologies will result in an unsurpassed line of bagel equipment. Our service team, in conjunction with Gemini's field technicians, will continue to provide the level of outstanding service that both companies have built their businesses and upon.”

Gemini Bakery Equipment Company: http://www.geminibe.com