Resource Category: News

New Sales Partners – EPI Technical Sales and Southwest Equipment Group Now Represent PFI

We are excited to partner with two new sales partners, as of summer 2022. These experienced partners help bring PFI equipment to the southwest and northeast United States.

EPI Technical Sales, Inc. (EPI) will be representing PFI in the northeast territory, which includes eastern Pennsylvania, southern New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. EPI has 30 years of experience selling bulk material handling and processing equipment.

Sales and Southwest Equipment Group will represent PFI in Nevada and California. The company has been in the food equipment sales business for 30 years.

“Adding these new sales partners allows PFI to expand its reach in these territories and will provide better service to our customers there, as well,” said Barry Whitman, global sales manager, PFI.

Mike Barber Returns to PFI as Regional Sales Manager for the Great Lakes Territory

We are excited to announce Mike Barber has returned as regional sales manager for the upper midwest. Mike previously was with us from 2006 until 2020. He has more than 30 years of experience working in the food processing equipment industry, including roles as a technical trainer and document writer, as well as in sales, sales management, and system integration. Mike is a complete resource for our customers to rely on,” said Barry Whitman, global sales manager, PFI. “He knows the food industry and understands how to apply our equipment to customers’ needs to achieve the best results. PFI is all about giving the customer a great experience, from quoting to commissioning their project. Mike greatly enhances our ability to do this, and we’re excited to have him on board.” “I’m excited to be back at PFI and am looking forward to the opportunity not only to serve a territory in a sales capacity but also to train and advise other individuals, as well assist our team in a sales, marketing and product development role,” Mike said. Barber is based in the Milwaukee, WI, area and will work remotely covering the Great Lakes territory, which includes Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky, in his new role.

Gary Schiltz to retire, Tom Vipond becomes new GM

Gary Schiltz will retire this month after 40 years, most recently as general manager. He was instrumental in establishing KOFAB and PFI as household names in the food processing industry. We thank him for his tremendous leadership.

Tom Vipond has been named the new general manager, effective Jan. 3, 2022. He spent 20 years in various roles at PFI, and recently returned after a brief departure.

“I’ve met and worked with many outstanding individuals during my tenure here. My thanks to all who’ve contributed to PFI’s success over the years,” said Schiltz. “I’m leaving the company in the extremely capable hands of Tom Vipond, whose vast experience in the food industry, much of it with PFI, will be invaluable as the company navigates the future.”

“I’m beyond excited to lead PFI into its next chapter,” said Vipond. “My focus will be on continuing to grow the company while providing outstanding customer service and leading with empathy. Gary leaves some very big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

PFI Acquired by Grote Company

Effective August 13, 2021, PFI has joined the Grote Company of brands.

“The acquisition of Precision Food Innovations greatly enhances our sanitary conveyance capabilities, complimenting the processing equipment offered by our two brands, Grote and Vanmark,” says CEO Bob Grote. “Their history, expertise, quality, and relentless customer focus dovetails precisely with how our family-run business operates. The additional talent and capacity afforded by PFI’s two operations allow us to deliver more complete solutions to our customers worldwide. I welcome PFI to the ever-growing Grote team.”

PFI’s operations and employee bases in Algona and Pella, Iowa, and San Antonio, Texas will be unchanged as a result of the acquisition. Integration of the businesses will occur over the next several months

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Algona, IA 50511


515.295.7265


sales@pficonveyors.com

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