Middleby Acquires Chinese Induction Equipment Maker

The Middleby Corp. has expanded globally again, acquiring the assets of Induc Commercial Electronics, a Qingdoa, China, manufacturer of commercial induction-cooking equipment. Induc, an established brand in China with a growing presence in other Asian countries, has annual revenues of approximately $10 million.

“We are excited to add Induc to our portfolio of innovative technologies,” said Middleby’s Chairman/CEO Selim Bassoul. He cited Induc’s broad line of induction products marketed under “ECO Kitchen,” including steamers, wok ranges, tilting skillets, fryers, and pasta cookers. “Induction equipment continues to be increasing in demand as our restaurant customers recognize the benefits of energy efficiency, speed of cooking, safety, and precise temperature control. This acquisition is highly synergistic with CookTek, our existing induction brand, and further strengthens the Middleby leadership position in induction cooking.”

Middleby, based in Elgin, Ill., has more than 40 brands of commercial foodservice equipment, as well as 14 food-processing equipment brands and five residential kitchen-equipment brands.