On October 20, 2015, Switzerland-based Maag has agreed to acquire US-based Gala Industries, an important manufacturer of underwater pelletizing systems, centrifugal pellet dryers and process solutions for the plastics industry. The addition of Gala’s innovative products will further enhance Maag’s strong position in underwater pelletizers and centrifugal dryers and globally position the combined company as a leading provider of equipment for the polymer and compounding industry. Both companies will go to the market under their existing brand names, which include Maag Pump Systems, Automatik Pelletizing Systems and Gala Industries. The combined business will be headed by Ueli Thuerig, president of Maag. “It is exciting to consider the breadth of customer solutions that will result from leveraging the products and strengths of Maag and Gala”, explains Ueli Thuerig. “Optimal market coverage will be provided with customer specific solutions, quick service and focused engineering”. David E. Bryan, CEO of Gala Industries, noted that: “Maag and Gala fit perfectly together. This is a unique opportunity to expand our suite of services, create enhanced professional opportunities and increase our geographic reach which will further enhance our profitability”. In the coming weeks, Maag and Gala will be focused on seamlessly integrating their teams, to better serve their customers through vertically integrated product offerings and services. As a worldwide leading manufacturer of gear pumps, pelletizing systems, and filtration systems for demanding applications in the plastics, chemical, and petrochemical industries, Maag manufactures in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, United States and China, with additional sales offices in France, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, India and Brazil. On the other hand, Gala Industries manufactures in the US and Germany, with a sales office in Thailand. The combined business of Maag and Gala will have a strong presence around the globe.