Feb. 18--Chicago-based John Bean Technologies Corp. said Wednesday that it was awarded a "major" $6.4 million ground-support equipment order from China Southern Airlines.

The maker of equipment used in food-processing and air transportation industries said the Chinese airline's order calls for JBT to provide cargo loaders as well as pushback and maintenance tow tractors.

JBT, spun off last July from former parent FMC Technologies Inc., said it is "pleased to expand upon our long-term relationship with China Southern."

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