The merger of Advanced Material Processing (AMP) and Automated Handling Solutions (AHS) has created a new materials handling entity which will trade under the name Akona Process Solutions.

AMP, AHS and Akona are owned by Chicago-based private equity firm May River Capital. 

Akona offers materials handling solutions for the food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and chemical industry sectors.

The company is headquartered in North Carolina and has engineering, sales and service centres across the US and Europe.

CEO of Akona Process Solutions, Seth Vance, says the merged entity offers “a single-source solution for customers operating in some of the most complex and demanding industries”.

“Through merging the capabilities of AMP and AHS, we are unlocking new possibilities for innovation and efficiency, and marking a critical step in our pursuit of delivering exceptional value and reliability,” Vance continues.

"Our goal with Akona is to simplify the scoping, procurement, deployment, and maintenance of material handling and material processing equipment for our loyal customers, enabling them to focus on what matters most: maximising their operations.”