CenFRA, based in Doncaster, was established in 2007 as the UK’s centre of excellence for all robotic and automation activities serving the food and drink industry.
The centre will retain its brand and its services will be integrated into the Stafforce group.
‘Significant departure’
Mike Wilson, director of the Automation Advisory Service, described the acquisition as a “significant departure” from Stafforce’s usual activities. “On the face of it, the move seems unusual,” said Wilson.
“Going forward, I can see the (some) other activities of CenFRA slowly disappearing. But if Stafforce is committed, encouraging towards CenFRA, and continues to resource the company, then the company's progress can be positive.”
Planning CenFRA's role within Stafforce, and putting the right people and resources to work will be the key to unlocking its potential, added Wilson.
Stafforce said the acquisition complements existing business interests. Its ceo Ian Anderson told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “This acquisition follows a strategy that will add value to Stafforce. About 80% of our business is in the food manufacturing industry and if we can help customers to become more profitable, sustainable, and efficient through the acquisition, then CenFRA fits in as a bolt-on to our business.”
Steve Cann, CenFRA general manager, said: “There is a very close strategic fit between CenFRA and Stafforce. Over the past few years, we have pioneered continuous business improvement in the food and drink industry and helped to create and safeguard a large number of jobs.
Expertise
“As part of a larger group, we see many opportunities to extend our expertise within the sector and enable even more food and drink businesses to benefit.”
Stafforce, based in Rotherham, has over 25 branches and on-site operations nationwide with a workforce of over 150 people.
The firm supplies staff to the food, retail, manufacturing and construction industries.
The robotics centre is the firm’s fourth acquisition in the past 12 months.
CenFRA specialises in automation, engineering, and project support services serving the food industy. It has a client list numbering more than 100 businesses.
In October, CenFRA launched a new novel e-learning package designed to raise the understanding of automation and robotics and ease the implementation of systems in the food and drink sector.
The e-learning courses, which start at £90 per learner, have been developed by the CenFRA in collaboration with the National Skills Academy.
The UK lags behind other EU countries, such as Germany, Italy, France and even Belgium, in the adoption of robotic technologies.
Germany leads the way in Europe with 127 robots per 10,000 employees in non-automotive sectors, according to the International Federation of Robotics. The UK has only 25 robots per 10,000 employees.