California (USA) Feb 19, 2025 – Bühler, the technology leader in optical sorting, in partnership with West-Link, leading equipment supplier for the food industry, has opened a new state-of-the-art optical sorting Application and Training Center in Stockton to support food processors in the western US.
The new Application Center is outfitted with the latest optical sorting technologies giving food processors the much-needed opportunity to test and analyze their best optical sorting options when expanding or improving their operations or building new facilities. “This new location provides a technology-forward platform for growers and processors to test their products on the latest optical sorting equipment, see demonstrations on new optical sorting technologies, and get specialized training on the entire Bühler SORTEX portfolio,” says Brian Sears, President & Owner of West-Link.
The facility is strategically located in the heart of the rich agricultural landscape of California’s Central Valley, offering easy access for nut, seed, fruit, vegetable, and food processors and growers throughout the region. Aside from delivering testing and demonstration capabilities, the Application Center also serves as a refurbishment lab and parts warehouse for Bühler’s optical sorters, allowing rapid access to parts and service, and minimizing unscheduled downtime.
“This Application Center provides a level of support and service unseen in this region,” states Andrew Parlour, Vice President of Sales for Bühler in North America. “Bühler is committed to the processors and growers in the western US, and our partnership with West-Link, a highly reputable equipment supplier, really strengthens that commitment. It is the perfect resource for those looking to maximize the efficiencies of their food production operations and really take them to the next level.”
From this location, West-Link also offers the possibility of mobile testing and demonstrations for those instances when bringing product to the Stockton location isn’t possible or convenient.
The new Application and Testing Center replaces an earlier Bühler location in Stockton and provides greater access to Bühler’s entire optical sorting portfolio as well as West-Link’s market knowledge and process expertise.
The opening of this site will be marked by an Open House event on March 13th. If you are interested in attending, please register via this link.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Media contacts:
Nick Manley, Chief Storyteller
Bühler, Inc. Plymouth, MN USA
Phone: +1 919 278 2864
Mobile: +1 727 458 5871
E-mail: nick.manley@buhlergroup.com
About Bühler
Bühler is driven by its purpose of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of economy, humanity, and nature in all its decision-making processes. Billions of people come into contact with Bühler technologies as they cover their basic needs for food and mobility every day. Two billion people each day enjoy foods produced on Bühler equipment; and one billion people travel in vehicles manufactured using parts produced with Bühler solutions. Countless people wear eyeglasses, use smart phones, and read newspapers and magazines – all of which depend on Bühler process technologies and solutions. Having this global relevance, Bühler is in a unique position to turn today’s global challenges into sustainable business.
As a technology partner for the food, feed, and mobility industries, Bühler has committed to having solutions ready to multiply by 2025 that reduce energy, waste, and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers. It also proactively collaborates with suppliers to reduce climate impacts throughout the value chain. In its own operations, Bühler has developed a pathway to achieve a 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1 & 2, against a 2019 baseline).
Bühler spends up to 5% of turnover on research and development annually to improve both the commercial and sustainability performance of its solutions, products, and services. In 2024, some 12,350 employees generated a turnover of CHF 3.0 billion. As a Swiss family-owned company with a history spanning 165 years, Bühler is active in over 140 countries around the world and operates a global network of 105 service stations, 31 manufacturing sites, and research and training centers in 26 locations.
