Interroll, the Swiss conveyor specialist, has bought the German belt drive manufacturer, BDL, for an undisclosed amount. Interroll says that the acquisition will make it the global leader in belt drives for the food processing industry, as well as expanding its presence in other industrial markets where it has previously had limited penetration.

"After careful evaluation, we found BDL to be the perfect partner for the strategic expansion of our highly promising belt drive business," says Interroll chief executive, Paul Zumbühl. "There is tremendous growth potential for this line of business, in areas as diverse as baggage handling at airports, and the food processing industry."

BDL founded in 1980, employs around 120 people in Germany and in four subsidiaries, including one in the UK. Its annual sales are worth around £12.2m. Although BDL has been achieving double-digit profits and growth rates, its limited resources meant it was unable to exploit its market opportunities to the full. Interoll says BDL will benefit from its size and global sales and distribution network.

BDL`s managers previously owned 62% of the company. They will be staying on, as will the rest of the staff.