Key Technology Appoints Métodos Rápidos as Sales Agent in Mexico

December 15, 2009 – Key Technology announces the appointment of Métodos Rápidos S.A. de C.V. as its sales representative in Mexico for select Key equipment.  Based in Naucalpan, Mexico City, Métodos Rápidos is responsible for developing sales and providing customer support for select products, including the semi-automated Basket Wash, Compact Dryer, and AVSealer Packaging Machine.  All three systems are ideal for small to medium volume fresh-cut produce processors.  Additionally, the AVSealer can package a wide range of other food products as well as OTC pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

Established in 1998 by Francisco Javier Casillas Gómez, Métodos Rápidos, which now includes 18 employees, serves companies in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.  Gómez brings 30 years of experience in the food processing industry to Métodos Rápidos.  Prior to founding the agency, he held positions with companies such as Carnation, Arancia, Kraft-General Foods, Secretaria de Salud, UNAM, and American Quality Lab.  He is also a professor in the chemistry department at Universidad Nacional Autónoma México (UNAM).

“Métodos Rápidos is ideally suited to help Key expand its presence in Mexico.  Their industry expertise, technical knowledge, company contacts, and dedication to superior customer service are exceptional,” said Sonia Loeza, Regional Manager for Mexico with Key’s Mexican division, Productos Key Mexicana.  “Métodos Rápidos will focus primarily on the fresh-cut produce industry for Key but they will also pursue applications in other industries with the AVSealer.”

“We are delighted to represent Key Technology in Mexico.  They have an outstanding reputation for high quality equipment and customer support, which complements our product and service offerings perfectly,” said Francisco Javier Casillas Gómez.  “With the growth of the fresh-cut produce industry in Mexico, we see a tremendous opportunity to help these processors maximize their product quality while improving their operating efficiencies with Key equipment.”

The Basket Wash and Compact Dryer are ideal for fresh-cut produce processors handling up to 1500 kg (3300 lb) of product per hour.  They wash and dry a variety of fresh-cut products including shredded, chopped, and whole leaf lettuce, cabbage, baby spinach, and spring mix as well as whole, sliced, and diced carrots, onions, peppers, and other vegetables, fruits, and herbs.  The AVSealer can package all these fresh-cut products as well as many other foods, OTC pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

For more information on Key’s fresh-cut product line, visit www.key.net/products/freshline/default.html. 

Productos Key Mexicana will continue as the exclusive provider in Mexico of all Key Technology equipment not offered by Métodos Rápidos, including fully-automated, high-volume washing and drying systems for fresh-cut produce and Key’s popular electro-optical inspection and sorting systems, specialized conveying systems, and other processing equipment. 

About Key Technology, Inc.
Key Technology, an ISO-9001 certified company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of process automation systems, integrated electro-optical inspection and sorting systems, and processing systems. Key® systems help processors to improve quality, increase yield, and reduce cost. With worldwide sales representation, the company maintains demonstration and testing facilities at its headquarters and manufacturing divisions in Walla Walla, Washington, USA, and at Key Technology BV in Beusichem, the Netherlands.  The company's common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol: KTEC.