Key Technology has announced the launch of its Integrated Solutions Group (ISG) and the introduction of new line integration services

Key Technology has launched its Integrated Solutions Group (ISG) and introduced a new line integration services. From pre-engineering and project definition to plant start-up, Key's new business unit provides complete solutions that can include the integration of third-party products along with its sorting, conveying, and processing systems to meet the specific needs of each application. The company will leverage its deep industry expertise and strong engineering and project management capabilities to deliver world-class integration services utilising best-of-breed technologies - all from a single source.

To provide the greatest value, the Integrated Solutions Group is focusing on Key's core markets - potato strips and chips; vegetables such as green beans, peas, and corn; fresh-cut produce; and pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing. For customers in these markets around the world, the Integrated Solutions Group can take responsibility for the line or a portion of the line from raw receiving through packaging. "Offering comprehensive line integration is a natural extension for Key. With 62 years of experience as a leading designer of innovative food processing equipment, we've got a unique perspective on how to help customers worldwide overcome a variety of production challenges," noted David Camp, President and CEO of Key Technology. "We're now leveraging this expertise and tapping into our strong industry relationships to create superior production lines in partnership with our customers."

Led by Jim Ruff, General Manager of the Integrated Solutions Group, the ISG team defines, designs, selects, integrates, and executes fully engineered solutions to meet complex line requirements.

"We work very closely with customers throughout the project to ensure we're adding the most value," noted Jim Ruff, General Manager of the Integrated Solutions Group at Key Technology. "We will work with customers to ensure that the line is designed to meet their specific requirements. We will incorporate their preferred third-party equipment or, if the customer doesn't have a preference, we'll present multiple options and help them make the final decision. We're focused on giving each customer exactly what they need and exceeding their expectations along the way."

Jim Ruff has been with Key Technology for 17 years. For the past three years, he served as Vice President of Research & Development. Previously, he was the Managing Director of Key Technology B.V., the company's European operation based in the Netherlands. Prior to that, he was Project Engineering Manager as well as Technical Integration Manager at Key.

Key Technology, an ISO 9001 certified company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of process automation systems, integrated electro-optical inspection and sorting systems, and processing systems. Key? systems help processors to improve quality, increase yield, and reduce cost. With worldwide sales representation, the company maintains demonstration and testing facilities at its headquarters and manufacturing divisions in Walla Walla, Washington, USA, and at Key Technology BV in Beusichem, the Netherlands.

(Anita Funk, Key Technology, Inc, USA. Tel: 509 529 2161. Fax: 509 527 1331. Email: afunk@key.net)