2020s · Our History
Innovation, Resilience & Strategic Focus
Despite global disruption, the 2020s have been a decade of resilient delivery, sharpened strategic focus and continued innovation for Molenaar.
2020–2021 — Resilience and global project delivery
Despite lockdown challenges, Molenaar fulfilled the installation of a turnkey line for PCP, a US-based peach manufacturer, fully operational by the 2021 peach season. Projects also included cup-lines with retorts and pasteurisers for Agrophoenix, Venus and Kronos in Greece.
2022 — Strategic focus on core technologies
With a renewed focus on its core offering, Molenaar sharpened its strategic direction around thermal processing and materials handling — aligning with rising demand in the beverage sector and deepening its expertise in these growth areas.
2023 — Engineering innovation and advanced installations
A notable world-first installation at Liberty Packing Company in the USA introduced oscillating cage retorts that maximised floor space while improving energy efficiency, eliminating the need for conventional stacked cages. The project included 24 independent Brite stackers in a fully autonomous cell, handling multiple can formats at high speed while reducing can damage.
2024 — Expanding capabilities and partnerships
Molenaar acquired the Inspection & Coding Solutions (I&CS) division from Nampak, adding advanced coding and inspection technologies to its portfolio. In collaboration with technology partner Anefill, it also commissioned a high-performance beverage canning line running at 40,000 cans per hour, featuring a 96-head filler designed for 500 ml cans at ambient temperature.
2025 — Innovation, training and industry leadership
Molenaar launched Molenaar Industrial Technologies (MIT), a new entity focused on innovation and strategic development, and the Blue Seal Academy, an internal training and certification programme to upskill apprentices and technical staff. It also introduced the Dynamic PU Control Pasteurizer and installed two complete production lines for Signal Hill Products in Johannesburg, catering to beer and cider in non-returnable bottles (NRB) and cans.
Strategic highlights of the 2020s
- Strengthened focus on thermal processing and materials handling as core technologies
- Delivered complex global installations despite operational challenges
- Introduced innovative solutions such as oscillating cage retorts and Dynamic PU Control pasteurization
- Expanded capabilities through the acquisition of Inspection & Coding Solutions (I&CS)
- Delivered high-capacity beverage production systems and strengthened partnerships
- Invested in long-term growth through training, innovation and new business units
