Westfalia Technologies Inc., York, Pa., and Deam Company Ltd., Toronto, have agreed to merge, creating Deam Systems, a new division of Westfalia Technologies. The division will provide integrated materials handling and packaging solutions-including case packing, empty case handling, stacking/de-stacking, conveyors and palletizing systems. These product lines will complement the existing Westfalia deliverables of automated warehousing systems, conventional gravity flow and order selection systems, warehouse management systems and palletizers.

Danisco Cultures recently added new frozen cultures capacity at its German site in Niebüll. The company invested Euro 7 million, (about $9 million) on the state-of -the-art expansion to its production and storage facilities.

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation says that Ecolab Inc. , the global leader in cleaning, food safety and health protection products and services, raised more than $75,000 for the NRAEF at the Ecolab 2006 Chairman's Reception and Silent Auction held May 21. Ecolab has contributed nearly $800,000 over the past four years to the NRAEF, making Ecolab one of the organization's largest givers. More than 660 industry representatives took part in this year's Ecolab silent auction.

Packaging Technologies (PT) has begun a re-branding initiative to introduce a new PT logo and graphic identity as a master brand. The new logo symbolizes drive, energy and openness to future demands. The brands of KartridgPak, KP Aerofill, Autoprod and Holmatic will be converted to the single IWKA PT brand logo. PT will still supply the world's leading packaging and processing equipment with a new dynamic look.

Alcoa Packaging, a packaging and consumer business unit within Alcoa Inc., recently received another award for its printing of the Nestle 90 oz. Hot Chocolate Syrup Shrink Sleeve. Last month the Gravure Association of America presented Alcoa Packaging with its Golden Cylinder Award for exceptional gravure printing.