Market Newsdesk

BOTHELL, Wash., Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — BioLife Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLFS) (“BioLife” or the “Company”), a leading developer and supplier of class-defining bioproduction products and services for cell and gene therapies and the broader biopharma market, today announced that it has closed its acquisition of Sexton Biotechnologies.

Sexton’s bioproduction tools portfolio includes proprietary closed vials for cell therapy final dose packaging, human platelet lysate (HPL) media, a bio-defined replacement for fetal bovine serum or human serum used in cell manufacturing, and automated cell processing machines. These class-defining products are currently embedded in more than 50 ongoing clinical trials of new cell and gene therapies. Sexton was spun out of Cook Regentec in 2019 with seed funding from BioCrossroads, BioLife Solutions, Casdin Capital and Cook Regentec.

Mike Rice, BioLife Solutions Chairman and CEO, commented, “Our team has identified and closed six acquisitions in the last two and a half years, assembling a portfolio of class-defining bioproduction tools and services for the cell and gene therapy and broader biopharma markets. We welcome Team Sexton to BioLife and look forward to the contributions of Sexton’s consumable products to our growing revenue base.”

About Sexton Biotechnologies

Sexton Biotechnologies is a revenue-stage, biotechnology company focused on the development and sales of bioproduction tools for cell and gene therapy. The company was founded in 2019 as a spin out of Cook Regentec, a life science incubator/accelerator.  Sexton develops purpose-built cell and gene therapy (CGT) tools and media to enable flexible automation and scaling of cell manufacturing processes to increase the probability of positive clinical outcomes and reduce time-to-market, failure points and labor costs.  Sexton’s portfolio includes the fluid handling system Signata CT-5, CellSeal platform of cryo-storage tools and fill/finish systems, and human platelet lysate growth supplements.  More information at www.sextonbiotechnologies.com.

About BioLife Solutions

BioLife Solutions is a leading supplier of cell and gene therapy bioproduction products and services. Our portfolio includes our proprietary CryoStor^® freeze media and HypoThermosol^® shipping and storage media, ThawSTAR^® family of automated, water-free thawing products, evo^® cold chain management system, Custom Biogenic Systems^® high-capacity cryogenic freezers, Stirling Ultracold ULT freezers, and SciSafe biologic materials storage. For more information, please visit www.biolifesolutions.com, www.savsu.com, www.custombiogenics.com, www.scisafe.com, www.stirlingultracold.com, www.sextonbio.com and follow BioLife on Twitter.

Cautions Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Except for historical information contained herein, this presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the expected contributions of the Sexton Biotechnologies (Sexton) bioproduction tools portfolio and personnel to the financial performance of the company, the company’s ability to implement its business strategy and anticipated business and operations, in particular following the closing of its acquisition of Sexton, the expected synergies between the company and Sexton, the company’s ability to realize all or any of the anticipated benefits associated with the acquisition of Sexton, and the potential utility of and market for the company’s products and services and the company’s ability to cross sell its products and services, including the products that the company acquired upon the closing of the acquisition of Sexton. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including among other things, charges or expenses resulting from the acquisition of Sexton, market adoption of the company’s products (including the products of Sexton), the ability of the Sexton acquisition to be accretive on the company’s financial results, the ability of the company to continue to implement its business strategy, the ability to retain Sexton’s personnel, uncertainty regarding third-party market projections, market volatility, competition, litigation, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and those other factors described in our risk factors set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. We undertake no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein or to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof, other than as may be required by applicable law.

Contacts:

At the Company
Roderick de Greef
Chief Financial Officer
(425) 686-6002
[email protected]

Investors
LHA Investor Relations
Jody Cain
(310) 691-7100
[email protected]

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SOURCE BioLife Solutions, Inc.

NEENAH, Wis.
, Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The majority of Americans (62%) still identify health conditions such as incontinence a “taboo topic” to talk about, despite its prevalence.² This lack of conversation, particularly among men, can inhibit people from taking the necessary steps to manage their health. Depend® is aiming to shift this perception through the second year of its Stand Strong for Men’s Health™ program, benefiting the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), launching this September to coincide with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8939651-depend-boris-kodjoe-stand-strong-for-mens-health-campaign-prostate-cancer-foundation/

“In 2020, Depend introduced the Stand Strong for Men’s Health initiative with two goals: driving awareness around the link between prostate cancer and incontinence, and helping consumers take action through their purchase,” said Drew Phillips, Senior Director for the North American Depend Brand. “We look forward to expanding those efforts this year through our partnership with actor and health advocate Boris Kodjoe and an increased donation goal of $350,000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.”

Boris Kodjoe
knows first-hand what it’s like watching a loved one struggle with prostate cancer. His close friend and mentor was among the one in eight men nationally to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Now he’s using his platform to normalize conversations around men’s health and celebrate the strength of men experiencing conditions like prostate cancer or incontinence.

“As men, many of us don’t like to talk about personal issues like our health because we don’t want to be seen as weak or vulnerable,” said Kodjoe. “But the statistics show why we need these conversations. Data from PCF suggests that Black men are 75 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than twice as likely to die of the disease. I’m excited to stand up with Depend to fight the stigma.”

Depend is providing an easy way for people to make an impact this fall. For every purchase of Depend® Shields-Underwear Liners for Men – Light, Depend® Guards for Men – Maximum and Depend® Real Fit Underwear for Men this September and November, Depend® will donate to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, up to $350,000.^†  Visit Depend.com to learn more.

This donation will go toward important research studies, like the Smith Polygenic Risk Test for Prostate Cancer, which is designed to detect early-stage disease in Black men, who are at the highest risk of developing prostate cancer.

Complete details around the Stand Strong for Men’s Health™ initiative can be found at, Depend.com/Stand-Strong. For more on the Prostate Cancer Foundation and how Depend® is accelerating its research mission, please visit: pcf.org/depend.

About the Depend Brand 

Launched in 1984 by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the Depend brand is the market leader in the adult incontinence category in North America. Over the years, the Depend brand has evolved with its consumers to provide the exceptional protection and lend them the confidence they need to lead normal, active lives. For more information or to request a product sample, visit www.Depend.com.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s nearly 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com.

About the Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world’s leading philanthropic organization dedicated to funding life-saving prostate cancer research. Founded in 1993 by Mike Milken, PCF has raised more than $840 million in support of cutting-edge research by more than 2,200 research projects at 220 leading cancer centers in 23 countries around the world. Learn more at www.pcf.org.

[KMB-B]

¹ According to the American Cancer Society
² Outside of conversations with friends or family; According to a 2021 study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Depend

† Depend shall donate to the Prostate Cancer Foundation $0.50 for each Depend Shields, Depend Guards or Depend Real Fit product purchased between 9/1/21–9/30/21 and 11/1/21–11/30/21. Min. donation $150,000/Max. donation $350,000. Void in MS. For more information, go to PCF.org.

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SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation

LUXEMBOURG, Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Ardagh Group S.A. (“AGSA”) (NYSE: ARD) today announced its intention to launch an exchange offer early next week to acquire all of its outstanding Class A Common Shares (the “AGSA Shares”) in exchange for a portion of the shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (NYSE: AMBP) (“AMPSA Shares”) currently outstanding and held by AGSA.  As previously announced, the AMPSA Shares commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange on August 5, 2021, following the completion on August 4, 2021, of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement among AGSA, AMPSA and Gores Holdings V, Inc., with AGSA retaining an 82% ownership interest in AMPSA.  In connection with the proposed exchange offer, AMPSA publicly filed today a registration statement on Form F-4.

Following the expiration of the exchange offer, each AGSA Share validly tendered and not withdrawn will be exchanged for 2.5 AMPSA Shares.

Following the proposed exchange offer, AGSA intends to initiate the process for delisting of the AGSA Shares from the New York Stock Exchange and their deregistration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which is intended to eliminate the inefficiencies resulting from both AGSA and AMPSA being publicly traded companies and having separate public reporting obligations. 

Completion of the proposed exchange offer will be subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, as well as a condition that at least two thirds of the AGSA Shares will be validly tendered into the exchange offer and not withdrawn.

About Ardagh Group
Ardagh is a global supplier of infinitely-recyclable metal and glass packaging for the world’s leading brands. Ardagh operates 57 metal and glass production facilities in 12 countries, employing more than 16,000 people with sales of approximately $7 billion.

About Ardagh Metal Packaging
Ardagh Metal Packaging (“AMP”) is a leading global supplier of infinitely recyclable, sustainable, metal beverage cans and ends to brand owners. A subsidiary of Ardagh’s sustainable packaging business, AMP is a leading industry player across Europe and the Americas with innovative production capabilities. AMP operates 23 production facilities in nine countries, employing close to 5,000 employees and had sales of approximately $3.5 billion in 2020.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS
This press release is for informational purposes only, is not a recommendation to buy or sell any securities, and does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation to sell any securities. The exchange offer described in this press release have not yet commenced, and while AGSA intends to commence the exchange offer on September 7, 2021 and complete the exchange offer, there can be no assurances that AGSA will commence the exchange offer on the terms described in this press release or at all. The exchange offer will be made only pursuant to the offer to exchange/prospectus contained in the registration statement on Form F-4 filed with the SEC (the “F-4”), the letter of transmittal and other related materials, including AGSA’s exchange offer statement on Schedule TO that AGSA expects to file with the SEC upon commencement of the exchange offer. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE F-4, INCLUDING THE OFFER TO EXCHANGE/PROSPECTUS CONTAINED THEREIN, LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND RELATED MATERIALS, INCLUDING AGSA’S EXCHANGE OFFER STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE TO (AND ANY AMENDMENT OR SUPPLEMENT THERETO) IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE VARIOUS TERMS OF, AND CONDITIONS TO, THE EXCHANGE OFFER THAT SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR AGSA SHARES. If and when the exchange offer is commenced, shareholders will be able to obtain a free copy of the exchange offer materials (including the offer to exchange/prospectus, the letter of transmittal and other related materials) that AGSA will be filing with the SEC at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.  In addition, copies of these documents may be obtained by contacting Georgeson, the information agent for the exchange offer, toll-free at 866-628-6079 or +1-781-575-2137.

A registration statement relating to AMPSA Shares has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. AMPSA Shares may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws with respect to the proposed exchange offer, including the anticipated timing of the proposed exchange offer, the services or products offered by AGSA or AMPSA and the markets in which Ardagh or AMPSA operates, business strategies, debt levels, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, the effects of regulations and AGSA’s, or AMPSA’s projected future results. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “forecast,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions (including the negative versions of such words or expressions).

Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that the proposed exchange offer may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of AGSA Shares or AMPSA Shares; (ii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the proposed exchange offer, including the condition that a minimum of 60% of the outstanding AGSA Shares have been validly tendered and not withdrawn for exchange; (iii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed exchange offer on AGSA’s or AMPSA’s business relationships, performance, and business generally; (iv) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against AGSA or AMPSA related to the proposed exchange offer; and (v) the price of AGSA Shares and AMPSA Shares, including as a result of volatility resulting from changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which AGSA and AMPSA operate, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting AGSA’s AMPSA’s business and changes in the their respective capital structures. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that will be described in the offer to exchange/prospectus, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed by AGSA or AMPSA from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address (or will identify and address) other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and AGSA and AMPSA assume no obligation and, except as required by law, do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither of AGSA or AMPSA gives any assurance that either AGSA or AMPSA will achieve its expectations.

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SOURCE Ardagh Group S.A.; Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.

LOS ANGELES
, Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund (the “Fund”), which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DSL, this week declared a distribution of $0.11 per share for the month of September 2021. The distributions are subject to the following ex-dividend, record and payment dates set by the Fund’s Board of Trustees.

This press release is not for tax reporting purposes. The press release has been issued to announce the amount and timing of the distributions declared by the Board of Trustees. There is a possibility that distributions may include ordinary income, long-term capital gains or return of capital. For information on whether the distribution includes a return of capital, please contact us on or after the distribution payment date. The amount of distributable income and the tax characteristics of the distributions are determined at the end of the taxable year. In early 2022, the Fund will send shareholders a Form 1099-DIV specifying how the distributions paid by the Fund during the prior calendar year should be characterized for purposes of reporting the distributions on a shareholder’s tax return.

About DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek high current income; its secondary objective is to seek capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing in a portfolio of investments selected for their potential to provide high current income, growth of capital, or both. DoubleLine Capital LP (“DoubleLine”), the Fund’s investment adviser, expects that the Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in debt securities and other income-producing investments anywhere in the world, including emerging markets. The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities of any kind and may invest without limit in securities rated below investment grade (commonly referred to as “high yield” securities or “junk bonds”). There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. Investing in the Fund involves the risk of principal loss.

About DoubleLine Capital LP

DoubleLine Capital is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. DoubleLine’s offices can be reached by telephone at (213) 633-8200 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Media can reach DoubleLine by e-mail at [email protected]. DoubleLine® is a registered trademark of DoubleLine Capital LP.

To read about the DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund, please access the Annual Report at




www.doublelinefunds.com




 or call 877-DLINE11 (877-354-6311) to receive a copy. Investors should consider the Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. An investment in the Fund should not constitute a complete investment program. Investors should note that the Fund only can be obtained through a broker.

This document is not an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any sale or offer of these securities, in any jurisdiction where such sale or offer is not permitted.

Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase investors’ risk of loss. This risk may be greater for investors expecting to sell their shares in a relatively short period after the completion of the public offering. There are risks associated with investment in the fund.

Investments in debt securities typically decline in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. Investments in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities include additional risks that investors should be aware of including credit risk, prepayment risk, possible illiquidity and default, as well as increased susceptibility to adverse economic developments. 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The fund may invest in foreign securities which involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. Investments in lower rated and non-rated securities present a great risk of loss to principal and interest than higher rated securities. Investment strategies may not achieve the desired results due to implementation lag, other timing factors, portfolio management decisions-making, economic or market conditions or other unanticipated factors. In addition, the Fund may invest in other asset classes and investments such as, among others, REITs, credit default swaps, short sales, derivatives and smaller companies which include additional risks.
The DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company.

This material may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Fund, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed herein are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and DoubleLine undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. While we have gathered this information from sources believed to be reliable, DoubleLine cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed herein (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Fund’s trading intent. Information included herein is not an indication of the Fund’s future portfolio composition.

Distributions include all distribution payments regardless of source and may include net income, capital gains, and/or return of capital (ROC). ROC should not be confused with yield or income. A Fund’s Section 19a-1 Notice, if applicable, contains additional distribution composition information and may be obtained by visiting www.doublelinefunds.com. Final determination of a distribution’s tax character will be made on Form 1099 DIV and sent to shareholders. On a tax basis, as of Nov. 30, 2020, the most recent available figure, the estimated component of the cumulative distribution for the fiscal year to date would include an estimated return of capital of $0.015 (10%) per share. This amount is an estimate and the actual amounts and sources for tax reporting purposes may change upon final determination of tax characteristics and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations.

Any tax or legal information provided is merely a summary of our understanding and interpretation of some of the current income tax regulations and is not exhaustive. Investors must consult their tax advisor or legal counsel for advice and information concerning their particular situation. Neither the Fund nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

Quasar Distributors, LLC provides filing administration for DoubleLine Capital LP.

©2021 DoubleLine Capital LP.

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SOURCE DoubleLine

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — InMode Ltd. (Nasdaq: INMD), a leading global provider of innovative medical technologies, is pleased to announce the launch of the EvolveX platform with Transform technology. 

EvolveX is a hands-free, zero downtime full body transforming solution. Post-lockdown, patients continue to pursue non-invasive treatments at unprecedented levels, searching for nonsurgical alternatives to achieve toned sculpted physiques. EvolveX is the only all-in-one system equipped with clinically proven technologies to remodel skin, treat fat, and sculpt muscles. The versatility of EvolveX multi-modalities allows physicians to focus on individual patient needs by selectively or synergistically delivering procedures that produce consistent transformative results.

Moshe Mizrahy, InMode CEO, commented, “As the world begins to return to a new state of normal, the demand for hands-free, social distancing platforms continues to grow beyond our original projections.  InMode’s platforms provide physicians and patients with the most sought-after treatments.”

“InMode’s strategic mandate to deliver innovative solutions drives our robust R&D pipeline and highly successful commercialization stream.  The novel Transform technology on EvolveX is another example of our unwavering commitment to provide superior, comprehensive technologies for our existing and future customers,” said Shakil Lakhani, InMode North American President.

Dr. Spero Theodorou, InMode Chief Medical Officer and Plastic Surgeon commented, “EvolveX with the new Transform technology is revolutionizing non-invasive body contouring. Combined, EvolveX Tite, Tone, and Transform technologies allow for adjustable real-time procedures specific to individual patient needs.  Treatments can be tailored to either selectively or simultaneously focus on loose skin, fat, and muscle.”

About InMode 

InMode is a leading global provider of innovative medical technologies.  InMode develops, manufactures, and markets devices harnessing novel radiofrequency (“RF”) technology. InMode strives to enable new emerging surgical procedures as well as improve existing treatments. InMode has leveraged its medically-accepted minimally-invasive RF technologies to offer a comprehensive line of products across several categories for plastic surgery, gynecology, dermatology, otolaryngology, and ophthalmology.  For more information about InMode and its wide array of medical technologies, visit www.inmodemd.com.

Press Contact:

Behrman Communications
Amanda Reinstein
[email protected]

Investor Contact:
MS-IR LLC
Miri Segal – Scharia
[email protected]
Tel: 917-607-8654

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inmode-announces-launch-of-evolvex-body-transforming-platform-301366678.html

SOURCE InMode Ltd.

MASON, Ohio, Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Apex Order Pickup Solutions, a leading global provider of self-serve automated pickup solutions for use in foodservice, retail and b-to-b ecommerce, and Welbilt, Inc. (NYSE:WBT), a leading global provider of commercial foodservice equipment, today announce the launch of OrderHQ™, a smart locker series that integrates with existing point of sale and other back-of-house management systems to make it easier for restaurants to offer quick and convenient order pickup experiences.

The 3^rd generation of smart lockers designed by Apex, the OrderHQ Series will be manufactured by Welbilt’s Merco^® brand in the United States and sold under both the Apex and Merco brands.

Contactless pickup in seconds
The OrderHQ Series automates the last inch of the digital journey, providing customers and delivery service providers with a secure, quick, and easy way to pick up their order and be on their way. Order-ready notifications are sent at the optimal time to minimize wait time and include a unique pickup code to authenticate at the locker. The compartments also feature indicator lights to help guide customers to find their order for pickup. The entire pickup process lasts less than 10 seconds.

Enhanced data visibility
Powered by ApexIQ™ software, the OrderHQ locker solution provides restaurant operators data insights to enhance the customer experience and improve efficiency for off-premises orders.  Using enhanced sensing technology combined with integration to front and back of house systems, operators will know the time it took to prepare and load the order, as well as the dwell time of the order in the pickup locker. This helps operators minimize dwell time and maintain food quality while gaining valuable insights into their operations.

Increasing labor efficiency
The OrderHQ Series offers both Flow-Thru and Front-Load options. The lockers come in floor and countertop models to optimize usage within a variety of restaurant footprints. The system is also easily scalable by adding lockers as needed. Branding options are available to allow operators to design the lockers as an extension of their brand experience. Employees can now focus almost exclusively on making and loading orders: the order load is frictionless, while the order hand-off is automated. This significantly reduces the amount of labor required to manage off-premises orders.

“With OrderHQ, restaurant and foodservice operators have a secure and contactless way to streamline order fulfillment and pickup,” said Apex Order Pickup Solutions Chief Executive Officer Mike Wills. “This next-generation design incorporates features to further streamline the operational experience and make it easier for their team members to load orders into the locker and move on to the next customer.”

Commenting of the joint launch of the OrderHQ Series, Nick Patterson, Vice President and Managing Director at Merco, said: “Restaurants and foodservice operators have increasingly turned to Apex to help them successfully offer contactless order pickup options during the pandemic and provide expert guidance in making this process as efficient as possible. The launch of the OrderHQ Series brings together two leaders in the foodservice industry and expands the solutions Merco can offer restaurant operators around the world.”

The new OrderHQ Series will be on display during The Show Beyond The Show live broadcast from Welbilt Headquarters on Thursday, September 2 and at FSTec in Dallas, TX at Apex Order Pickup Solutions Booth 602.

About Apex Order Pickup Solutions
Apex is a leading global provider of self-serve automated pickup solutions for use in foodservice, retail and b-to-b ecommerce. The Apex Heated Pickup Station was a recipient of the 2019 Kitchen Innovations Award from the National Restaurant Association. Apex contactless order pickup solutions are in use in over 5,000 locations globally. Apex is headquartered in Mason, Ohio. For more information, visit www.apexorderpickup.com.

About Welbilt, Inc.

Welbilt, Inc. provides the world’s top chefs, premier chain operators and growing independents with industry-leading equipment and solutions. Our innovative products and solutions are powered by our deep knowledge, operator insights, and culinary expertise. Our portfolio of award-winning product brands includes Cleveland™, Convotherm^®, Crem^®, Delfield^®, Frymaster^®, Garland^®, Kolpak^®, Lincoln^®, Manitowoc^® Ice, Merco^®, Merrychef^® and Multiplex^®. These product brands are supported by three service brands: KitchenCare^®, our aftermarket parts and service brand, FitKitchen^®, our fully-integrated kitchen systems brand, and KitchenConnect^®, our cloud-based digital platform brand. Headquartered in the Tampa Bay region of Florida and operating 19 manufacturing facilities throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, we sell through a global network of over 5,000 distributors, dealers, buying groups and manufacturers’ representatives in over 100 countries. We have approximately 4,600 employees and generated sales of $1.2 billion in 2020. For more information, visit www.welbilt.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/demand-for-efficient-order-handoff-inspires-orderhq-lockers-301367120.html

SOURCE Apex Order Pickup Solutions