Spectrim sorter

Having underlined European expansion as target for 2017, post-harvest solutions and services provider Compac has entered a strategic partnership with UK-based Xact.

The partnership will combine Compac’sSpectrim grading technology with Xact’s range of packaging and marking offerings, which include Giro’s fresh produce packaging equipment.

Compac chief executive Mike Riley said the Xact relationship gives Compac a complementary partner that is locally integrated in the UK market.

“Compac and Xact recognise the emerging automation opportunities in the UK repack sector,” Riley explained. “In combination with Xact,our solutions are tried, tested and proven in some of the most advanced packaging lines in the world and we can’t wait to initiate these solutions with Xact in the UK.”

The partnership will enable Compac and Xact’s customers to create safe, quality products, which have high consumer demand in the UK, according to Xact managing director David Hughes.

“We feel this generates tremendous value for both parties. We have developed strong relationships with the major players in the UK fresh produce industry and we feel the market is ready for the range of technologies provided by Compac,” Hughes said.

“Xact has a solid reputation for providing integrated solutions to the UK and we share a common vision with Compac, both in terms of the markets requirement for Compac’s high-value products and services but also the need to provide our customers with more sophisticated experienced as they look to meet increasing consumer demands.”

Compac has also announced a deal with ServiceMax, a provider of field service management technology, to improve customer experience and increase technician operational efficiency.

With the ServiceMax platform, Compac will be able to manage and track their field service representatives with a real-time solution that allows for a rapid response across multiple service level agreements.

“Our customers face increased competition with greater supply chain demands. They are looking for the provision of contracted services as they strive for increased efficiencies,” said Darrell Smithson, vice president of global services at Compac. “ServiceMax is a proven platform that allows us to connect with our customers, build stronger partnerships, and drive value well beyond the basic break-fix services.”