Marlen International, Inc., a global manufacturer of highly engineered food processing equipment and systems, and a subsidiary of Chicago-based Duravant LLC, recently purchased Unitherm Food Systems, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of thermal food processing equipment. The acquisition expands Marlen’s ability to deliver customized continuous thermal and chilling food processing equipment and further strengthens its solutions offering in the meat and protein sector.
Unitherm has been serving a wide range of food processors worldwide since 1985 and is known for an innovative approach to developing thermal food processing equipment that helps processors maximize yields while enhancing product safety and profitability. Headquartered in Bristow, Oklahoma, the company has a footprint in Europe and Asia with offices in the Netherlands and Thailand.
With a robust portfolio of patents for its unique food processing methods and solutions, Unitherm designs and manufactures highly advanced hygienic cooking, freezing, chilling and pasteurizing equipment and has a full suite of value-added services that includes process improvement consultations, food safety audits, executive chef consultations and R&D support. Additionally, it offers complete lines and integrated systems with lifetime backup support.
With a robust portfolio of innovative solutions for unique food processing methods, the Unitherm product line includes highly advanced cooking, chilling, pasteurizing and freezing equipment designed with hygiene in mind.
“We are extremely excited to add Unitherm to our portfolio,” said Bob Campbell, president of Marlen International. “Partnering with the Unitherm team strengthens our position as the premier provider of thermal solutions in every market we serve and further supports our strategy of serving the industry through the delivery of innovative processes and customer support before, during and after the sale.”
Unitherm water cook systems, spiral chillers and freezers, complete frying lines, and pre- and post-package pasteurization complement Marlen’s existing offering of thermal solutions including batch ovens and chillers, industrial smokehouses and dehydrators.
“Marlen and Unitherm clearly have a shared passion for quality, performance and innovation,” said Mark Smith, Unitherm’s senior vice president and general manager. “We look forward with great anticipation to leveraging our joint strengths. Unitherm reached a size where tapping into the deep resources of Marlen and Duravant will help us make the next leap in growth and performance.”
The acquired company will continue to be based at its current manufacturing, sales and test facilities in Oklahoma, while also gaining access to Marlen’s world-class solution center and customer support operations in Riverside, Missouri.
About Duravant
Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Duravant is a global engineered equipment company with manufacturing, sales and service facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Through a portfolio of operating companies, it delivers end-to-end process solutions for customers and partners through engineering and integration expertise, project management and operational excellence. With worldwide sales distribution and service networks, immediate and lifetime aftermarket support is provided to all markets served in the food processing, packaging and material handling sectors.
