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A Cheshire packaging company, which works with the maker of Danepak, has been acquired by a New York-listed giant for £12.5m.

JBT Corporation , a global technology solutions provider to high-value segments of the food and beverage industry, has snapped up Runcorn-based AutoCoding Systems which supplies software for the automated set-up and control of end-of-line packaging devices.

The company has additional operations in the US and Australia, and generates approximately $7m in annual revenue.

AutoCoding's central command software solution integrates and automates the use of in-line packaging devices, such as coders, scanners, labelers, and checkweighers, reducing manual inspection and downtime for line configuration.

Mike Hughes, AutoCoding Systems’ managing director, said: "This is an exciting time for AutoCoding Systems in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ, US and Australia.

"With the support of JBT and their wealth of experience across multiple businesses supplying the food and beverage industry, including Proseal, AutoCoding Systems can expand their reach into previously untapped markets for packaging line automation software."

Brian Deck, JBT's president and chief executive, added: "AutoCoding's offering embodies JBT's broader mission to make better use of the world's precious resources by providing a solution that substantially enhances our customers' success.

"AutoCoding helps its customers reduce food waste, ensure complete and accurate food packaging information, and facilitate traceability and food safety.

"The acquisition also expands our capabilities in the large and growing global market for in-line coding and inspection solutions, which includes hardware and software for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical customers."