Enhancing Global Presence and Innovation in Agricultural Equipment
One of Australia’s foremost grain storage equipment companies, Allied Grain Systems (AGS), has been acquired by the global bulk material conveying equipment firm, Mitchells Group. This strategic acquisition, effective as of July 1, marks a significant step in expanding Mitchells’ footprint in the agricultural equipment industry and enhancing their product offerings.
Founded in 2004, AGS specializes in designing, manufacturing, and installing grain storage and handling systems. The company operates from its head office and metal fabrication workshop in Young, New South Wales, and maintains a branch in Toowoomba, Queensland. Over the years, AGS has built a strong reputation for quality and innovation in the Australian market.
Mitchells Group, originally established as Mitchell Mill Systems in Canada in 1978, expanded its manufacturing capabilities to China before being acquired by the Australian-owned Mitchells’ Holdings (Asia) Pte Ltd in 2006. The company further extended its global reach by acquiring the UK-based bulk material handling company Guttridge in 2019, which bolstered its operations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
With the acquisition of AGS, Mitchells Group aims to leverage the existing branding, management team, and facilities of AGS in Young and Toowoomba. AGS founder and general manager John White expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating that it would foster new growth opportunities and benefit both customers and the broader agricultural community.
“It is a really good fit, and it should be a really good outcome for our customers and our future customers,” said Mr. White. “We’ll still continue to do the majority of the design and engineering for the projects in Australia and a lot of the manufacturing. We still have a really good fabricating facility, and we want to grow and strengthen our ties out of Toowoomba to service southern Queensland and northern NSW.”
Mitchells’ CEO Mic Mittasch, an Australian engineer who has led the company since its acquisition in 2006, highlighted the potential for operational efficiencies and improved customer service resulting from the merger. “We are thrilled to welcome Allied Grain Systems into the Mitchells family,” Mr. Mittasch stated. “This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our growth strategy, allowing us to offer a more complete suite of products and services to our customers globally. Allied Grain Systems has a stellar reputation for quality and innovation, and we are excited to leverage their expertise to better serve the agricultural sector.”
John White, who has a rich background in the grain industry and mechanical engineering, founded AGS leveraging his expertise and passion for agriculture. His family has a long-standing history in Australian agriculture dating back to 1911. Under his leadership, AGS has grown significantly, employing around 60 people across its two locations and various project sites.
The company has been involved in several large projects, such as a port upgrade for Bunge in Bunbury, the T-Ports project at Wallaroo, and a new rail upgrade for GrainCorp at Condobolin. These projects underscore AGS’s capabilities and commitment to advancing grain storage and handling solutions.
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