Focus on agricultural robotics and data
The international family-owned company, Lely, plans to sell its Forage business, which produces forage harvesting machines to AGCO Corporation, a recognised worldwide as a leading player in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery.
March 13, 2017
Press
The intended sale of its Forage activity will allow Lely to fully concentrate, on the Dairy segment; the development of milking robots and other innovations for increasing the efficiency sustainability and animal welfare on dairy farms. Thanks to its unique expertise with automated systems, Lely will be able to further strengthen its leading position as innovator in the Dairy sector worldwide.
The takeover allows AGCO Corporation to further broaden its range of forage harvesting machines.
Until now, the Lely family business focused on two totally different product categories and markets with its Dairy and Forage business units. Some time ago the company started a strategic reorientation and this analysis revealed that to be able to continue operating successfully in the market, the organisation must adapt to the increasingly wide range of requirements of its different product groups.
The result of this strategic reorientation is that Lely plans to focus on the development of robotics and other innovations in dairy farming. CEO Alexander van der Lely explains: “Lely intends to focus entirely on its role as innovator in the field of robotisation, and sensor and data systems for use on dairy farms. Over the last 15 years, these product groups have grown into a successful activity for Lely, with a great deal of potential for the future. Besides the innovative milking robot, other products have also been developed that are primarily based on automation with the aid of robots.” The production of these Dairy machines will stay in Maassluis (The Netherlands), Pella (Unites States) and Leer (Germany).
At the same time AGCO’s CEO Martin Richenhagen is pleased with this strategic acquisition: “The integration of Lely’s industry leading competence in hay and forage harvesting will further strengthen our relationships with our dealers and customers worldwide”.
The proposed sale of the Forage activities has an effect on jobs at Lely:
The Joint Works Council in The Netherlands is asked for its advice about the proposed sale, secondment and reorganisation of the organisation. The relevant trade unions have also been informed.
For Lely, a family-owned company that started in grassland products, this is a big step that they want to take with care. Lely attaches a great deal of importance to the honest and respectful treatment of its employees. The point of departure for the intended plans is to retain as much employment as possible and to work with the employees on building a healthy future for the company in Dairy.
For more information please contact Sergio Ooijens, Lely International Marketing & Communication, sooijens@lely.com, + 31 (0)6 24 243 237
Lely, founded in 1948, directs all its efforts towards creating a sustainable, profitable and enjoyable future in farming for its customers. Lely works on business concepts to ensure energy-neutral operations in the dairy sector. Every day we inspire people to bring innovative solutions to our customers, from advice to support executing the choices they make. For many years, Lely has been leading in automated milking systems. The Lely Group is active in more than 60 countries and employs around 2,000 people. More information: www.lely.com.
AGCO (NYSE: AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural solutions and supports more productive farming through its full line of equipment and related services. AGCO products are sold through five core brands, Challenger®, Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra®, supported by Fuse® precision technologies and farm optimization services, and are distributed globally through a combination of over 3,000 independent dealers and distributors in more than 150 countries. Founded in 1990, AGCO is headquartered in Duluth, GA, USA. In 2016, AGCO had net sales of $7.4 billion. For more information, visit www.AGCOcorp.com.
