Digital seafood software developer Maritech Systems AS is now a majority owner of Norway-based Lillebakk Engineering, a provider of a broad range of Industrial IoT products and decision-making tools which use modern instrumentation and sensor technology for data capture.
The acquisitive move marks a major milestone for Maritech, which is on a journey “towards the advancement of digitalization in the seafood sector,” the company said. That journey, as it applies to seafood and aquaculture, is progressively becoming more influenced by the increased automation, digitalization and connectivity inherent in Industrial IoT (Industrial Internet of Things), a sector familiar to Lillebakk, Maritech explained.
“Digital seafood nets together information from all aspects of the seafood value chain in powerful ways, presenting tremendous opportunities for competitive advantage and revenue growth for seafood organizations,” Maritech CEO Janne T. Morstøl said. “A number of providers are talking about digitalization and industrial IoT, but Lillebakk has already delivered significant value to customers by providing tools to capture real-time data from remote sites. Lillebakk’s complementary focus on automation technology is a strong addition to the Maritech family as we continue to define more innovative solutions for our clients and grow our presence globally.”
By way of its increased investment in and partnership with Lillebakk, Maritech is looking “to expand the tools available for seafood companies globally in an increasingly digitized value chain where connectivity is crucial,” it said.
Lillebakk, which has a primary aim of providing key, real-time remote monitoring, efficiency control and process improvement of automated equipment and systems through its digital tools and services, views the increased “amalgamation” with Maritech as a strategic union primed for growth.
“The Maritech/Lillebakk amalgamation is an excellent strategic fit, presenting a unique opportunity for both parties to provide customers with expertise and tools in the field of digitalization and automation,” said Frode Lillebakk, CEO of Lillebakk Engineering. “Maritech is a leading, recognized provider to the global seafood industry and this acquisition will strengthen Lillebakk’s focus in aquaculture and fisheries and provides an expanded vehicle for international growth.”
