Fortifi hooks a big one: Area 52 joins platform to revolutionize crustacean automation
June 2, 2025
By dgs Marketing Engineers
Global food-technology company adds Canadian producer of crustacean processing equipment
THE WOODLANDS, Tex., June 2, 2025 – Fortifi Food Processing Solutions (“Fortifi”) announces that it has completed the acquisition of Area 52 (“Area 52”) of New Brunswick, Canada, a leader in automated crustacean processing, particularly focused on patented solutions for lobster and crab production.
“Area 52’s innovative machine designs increase worker safety, protein quality and processing yields. As an industry partner, Area 52 provides valuable automation capabilities to a growing crustacean and seafood market at a time when labour shortages challenge traditional harvesting processes,” said Massimo Bizzi, Chief Executive Officer of Fortifi. “With this acquisition, we further expand our solution set to drive growth and innovation in food categories with global reach and application.”
Located in Moncton, N.B., Area 52 offers a strong portfolio of proprietary and patented equipment and technology for automated washing, netting, scoring/cutting, and butchering. These automated systems enable processors to complete full lines including packaging, pick-and-place robots and material handling to provide strong manufacturing ROIs, from animal harvesting to final customer shipment.
“We welcome this opportunity to grow within the Fortifi family and expand our global reach,” said Tim Fogarty, founder of Area 52. “We share Fortifi’s dedication to innovative, customer-centred product design and service.”
All Area 52 employees will join Fortifi’s broad-based ownership program, which provides employees with the opportunity to participate in the benefits of equity ownership.
About Fortifi Food Processing Solutions
Headquartered in The Woodlands, Tex. and operating worldwide, Fortifi is a leading platform of automated food-processing equipment and automation solutions. Fortifi serves customers worldwide through its global manufacturing and service footprint and drives improvements in yield, productivity, food quality, and worker safety for many of the world’s largest food producers. Fortifi’s growing portfolio includes Bettcher Industries, Frontmatec, MHM Automation, Nothum Food Processing Systems, REICH Thermoprozesstechnik GmbH, LIMA (Les Innovations Mecaniques Alimentaires) and Kais Software. For more information, please visit: www.FortifiFoodSolutions.com.