Kadant Acquires Babbini and GPS Engineering to Expand Fiber Processing Capabilities


Kadant Inc. announced it has completed the acquisition of Babbini S.p.A. and G.P.S. Engineering S.r.l. (GPS), two Italy-based companies specializing in industrial dewatering and engineered power transmission solutions.

Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Civitella di Romagna, Italy, Babbini is a recognized leader in screw press technology and dewatering applications for multiple industrial sectors including paper recycling and sugar beet processing. GPS, based in Legnano, Italy, enhances Babbini’s capabilities with system integration expertise and custom gearboxes for demanding industrial applications.

Babbini and GPS have collaborated with Kadant since 2019, providing innovative upcycling solutions for its fiber processing lines, including reject handling and waste management products and technologies. The two businesses will become part of Kadant’s Industrial Processing reporting segment.

“Acquiring Babbini and GPS Engineering supports our commitment to Sustainable Industrial Processing® through the growth of our upcycling capabilities, while also expanding our solutions in agricultural process industries,” said Jeffrey L. Powell, president and chief executive officer of Kadant. “These businesses share Kadant’s focus on innovation, and our strengthened relationship will maximize productivity and provide our customers with broader fiber processing solutions.”

Simone Bianchi, managing director of Babbini, added, “Our company has a proud history of innovation and dewatering technologies for a wide range of applications. Our collaboration with Kadant has expanded our market penetration in the pulp and paper industry, and joining a global leader with over 150 years of experience in fiber processing enables us to build on that momentum.”

Photo: Kadant