Skals Maskinfabrik acquires Ekko Maskiner

Skals Maskinfabrik acquires Ekko Maskiner, located in Vejle in the South East part of Jutland in Denmark, as part of our growth strategy, to become a significant player in the market for process lines for potatoes, onions and carrots.
As a part of the takeover, the production will be gathered under one roof in Ekko’s existing buildings at Pottemagervej 14 in Vejle, Denmark. The Ekko buildings offers an optimal production flow and a central location near the highway.

Complimentary product range supports the green agenda
Søren Lund Madsen, CEO and owner of Skals Maskinfabrik, says: “We are experiencing an increasing need for non-animal foods due to consumer focus on the carbon footprint. In addition we see the modern consumer’s desire for faster cooking based on processed foods and more targeted purchases in smaller, but more appealing packaging. It is exactly these trends that increase the need for the future product range and supports our growth strategy.”
So far Skals Maskinfabrik has been the market leader in complete lines for size sorting and handling of potatoes. In recent years, the product range has been expanded with complimentary key machines for onion lines, including onion toppers. With the acquisition of Ekko, Skals ’strengthens its position with the existing product program and significantly expands the product program with lines for handling carrots.

Custom made lines based on standardization
In recent years, Skals has been focusing on creating a highly modular product program with a focus on high quality and flexible solutions that are adapted to the individual customer’s needs. With the acquisition of Ekko, the product range is significantly strengthened. Skals´ will be able to offer the customers a wider range of total solutions.
With the takeover Skals will be strengthened with key machines such as: polishing machines, roller diameter grading machines (for carrots), hydrocoolers and peeling machines.
For many years Skals and Ekko have respectfully been trading machines with each other and the companies have a profound knowledge of each other prior to the acquisition.

Combined production means a new era in Vejle
The company buildings in Vejle are designed as staff-friendly facilities with an optimized flow in the production of our product range. The up-to-date buildings align with Skals’ future growth strategy.
CEO and owner of Skals, Søren Lund Madsen, says: “It is an obvious choice to choose the more contemporary buildings in Vejle, as our base for the future. At the same time, it is with sadness, that we say goodbye to the original buildings, that Skals has had for 125 years, and which has become part of the company’s identity”.
Søren Lund Madsen adds: “We are of course aware, that the physical move to Vejle isn´t an optimal situation for our loyal, skilled and local and employees. That is why, we are working on good and flexible solutions that hopefully will give many of our dedicated employees the opportunity to continue to be part of Skal’s growth journey.”
Ongoing orders will be completed in the existing buildings in Skals. Later on, the production will be transferred to Vejle, where production is expected to be fully integrated during Q1 2022.

All inquiries should be directed to CEO, Søren Lund Madsen at slm@skals.dk Phone +45 23 26 30 20