LEMKEN specialist models will now be joined by large-scale seeding rigs following its acquisition of Equalizer
The family-owned German agricultural machinery specialist LEMKEN has taken over the Equalizer product range of precision planters and seed drills to expand its reach into larger-scale farm operations.
As a result, Lemken, the German agricultural machinery specialist will be significantly expanding its product portfolio in seeding technology to a market of large-scale growers not previously on their books.
The South African company Equalizer has focused its development toward minimal ground disturbance no-till farming, and as a result has built-up the Equalizer product range with precision planters with up to 36 rows and seed drills with a working width of up to 24 metres.
The acquisition agreement is expected to be completed in early 2023, once regulatory approvals have been obtained.
LEMKEN CEO Anthony van der Ley believes the Equalizer portfolio perfectly complements the LEMKEN seed drill segment and constitutes an important building block for further growth.
“There is no overlap in our portfolios. Equalizer offers solutions for farmers and markets that LEMKEN has not been able to serve so far. In terms of our growth strategy, the Equalizer planters and seeders – also in combination with air carts – close a current gap in our product range,” Anthony outlined.
An additional, optimal synergy arises for LEMKEN precision seeding technology, as the Delta-Row technology developed by LEMKEN is complemented by single-row technology established by Equalizer.
Equalizer is also a family business founded in Cape Town in 2000 and currently employs 180 people.
The company serves not only its South African home market, where it is the market leader in precision seeding, but also Australia as its most important export market.
“We see great potential for new products with LEMKEN on our side, and we look forward to our future collaboration.
“At the same time, we are proud that this agreement reaffirms the success and hard work of the entire Equalizer team and our local dealers over the past 22 years,” said Gideon Schreuder, Equalizer’s founder and managing director, while also emphasising that Equalizer will continue to support its customers as an innovative and reliable partner.
LEMKEN also pointed out that the company is committed to this promise and wants to expand the South African site together with Equalizer.
The first definite project is the extensive expansion of spare parts logistics in 2023. All of Equalizer’s experienced local staff will be retained.
Equalizer will continue to be led as an independent subsidiary by its current management, and the brand name will be preserved. Of course, the German agricultural machinery specialist will contribute its development, production and sales expertise to support Equalizer’s future growth.
