IPEG buys Pelletron

IPEG, Inc., with subsidiaries serving the plastics-processing, waste-recycling, and industrial heat-transfer markets, has acquired Pelletron Corporation, a leading supplier of pneumatic conveying systems, dust removal systems and other related products. The company will operate as an independent subsidiary at its existing location in Lancaster, PA. Financial terms are not being disclosed.

Headquartered in Cranberry Township, PA, IPEG is the parent company of Conair, a leading global manufacturer of auxiliary equipment for plastics processing, which also designs and sells material conveying systems. However, IPEG CEO Chris Keller explained that the two companies are not competitors. Conair offers vacuum-based systems that might convey hundreds or thousands of pounds per hour, while Pelletron offers pressure-driven systems that are used by resin producers to handle thousands and tens of thousands of pounds per hour, hence there is o overlap, Mr. Keller stressed.  

Pelletron, founded in 1987, 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. All other employees are also expected to remain with the company. The company will continue to operate from its present location in Lancaster, PA, about 80 miles west of Philadelphia.

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.

Left to right, in front: Chris Keller, IPEG CEO and Heinz Schneider, Pelletron President; in back: Kirk Winstead, IPEG COO, John Erkert, IPEG CFO and Paul Wagner, Pelletron Vice President.

There is also the potential for Conair to source some equipment from Pelletron and vice versa, Mr. Keller said. IPEG ownership will give Pelletron desired financial strength to handle large projects that can run into the millions of dollars. Pelletron has a European subsidiary, pelletroneurope GmbH, located in Bodnegg, Germany, and distributors and partners around the world.  

IPEG, comprises a family of several brands serving the global plastics-processing, waste-recycling, and industrial heat-transfer markets. In addition to Conair, IPEG brands include Thermal Care, a manufacturer of process cooling solutions for industrial applications worldwide; Republic Machine, engaged in the design and manufacture of single-shaft shredders for recycling of plastics and other materials; and now Pelletron Corporation, a manufacturer of conveying and dedusting technologies.