ABOUT US

GET DURABLE FOOD SLICING & ASSEMBLY EQUIPMENT PLUS COMMITTED SUPPORT

For over 50 years, we've designed, manufactured, and supported best-in-class equipment lines to automate food processing operations for the pizza, sandwich, and prepared foods industries.

We take a personal approach to supporting our machines and the teams that run them throughout their long life.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
FROM GROTE COMPANY

Food brands around the world tell us they choose Grote because:

See How We Work & With Who

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Automated Production

Increase capacity and quality - allowing you to make more food and get additional orders - without worrying about unreliable manual labor.

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Durable, High-Quality Equipment

Our machines are built to last; you can trust they will work for years.

Application Expertise

We have 50 years of experience designing and manufacturing for specific food applications. And demo facilities for testing whatever new you throw at us.

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Partnership

We call it "enduring commitment," which means we're here to guide and support you through every step of a project.

FROM RESTAURANTS TO AUTOMATING LEADING FOOD PLANTS WORLDWIDE

Grote Company was founded by Jim Grote in 1972. His pizza restaurant, Donatos Pizza, needed a faster and more consistent way to apply 100 slices of pepperoni on every pizza. He invented the Peppamatic automatic pepperoni slicer, and a new equipment category and company was born.

Today, we apply the same principles of speed, throughput, efficiency, and labor mitigation to industrial food processing equipment, parts, and services. We design and manufacture best-in-class pizza topping equipment, full sandwich assembly lines, food slicers, and more flexible automation and robotics found in food production plants worldwide. Our teams support our customers at a moment's notice and throughout the long life of our machines.

In the last 50 years since the Peppamatic, we’ve been known for exceptional customer service, unparalleled craftsmanship, dependability, and quality. That will never change.

See More of Our History

WHAT FOOD PROCESSORS SAY ABOUT US

Great Product, Exceptional Team

The team I've worked with has been exceptionally helpful, personable, and passionate about the product and their jobs. Thank you for hiring great humans and making a great product.

 

Plant Operations Manager

Reliable 20-Year-Old Slicer, Helpful and Prompt Service

We have been using our Grote slicer to slice about 1 million slices of pepperoni weekly for the last 20 years. After this heavy use, it is still extremely durable and reliable with no major issues. Everyone is very helpful and prompt when we need a part or service. We are very satisfied with Grote Company.

 

Owner, Bakery Company

Above & Beyond Service

We have a complex project that is not done, but I would consider it successful. Grote's field service and customer service teams keep going above and beyond to understand and reach my goals. Each person I work with is pleasurable and excellent at what they do. I look forward to working with your company for many years to come.

 

Rodney Shultz - Facilities Director, Kunzler & Company

Phenomenal Service From Beginning to End

From my first interaction to our final installation and training, Grote Company was a pleasure to work with. The customer service I received was nothing short of phenomenal. And I have peace of mind going forward that they are only a phone call, text, or email away.

 

Kyrce Higa - Las Vegas Jerky's

Our Leadership

Bob Grote

Bob GroteCEO

An engineer by schooling, a salesman by nature, and a businessman by practice, Bob joined Grote Company in 2000, became CEO in 2008, and now spends his time developing industry partnerships and seeking the latest food technologies. During his tenure, he’s overseen the acquisition of industry pillars including PFI, Vanmark, Advanced Food Technology, GME International, and Pizzamatic. He serves as Director at Large of the FPSA (Food Processing Suppliers Association) and sits on various industry and non-profit boards.
 

Jack Grote

Jack GroteChief Operating Officer

After 30+ years in engineering, sales and executive leadership roles, Jack joined his brother Bob at Grote Company in 2011. As COO, he drives strategic initiatives that impact customer experience and improve company performance. He has engineering degrees from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Purdue University, and a MBA from Ohio State University. Jack married his high school sweetheart Kelly in 1986, and together they are avid college football fans – especially of his hometown Buckeyes.

Eric Ytterbo

Eric YtterboChief Financial Officer

Eric has decades of manufacturing and food equipment experience, previously holding various financial roles at ITW Food Equipment Group/Hobart for 27 years and serving as CFO at Grote Company since 2012. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and is an active CPA.

Paul Jones

Paul JonesManaging Director

Paul has been with Grote Company for over 18 years in various field service, sales and leadership positions. He’s led our UK-based International office since 2007. 

Greg Gavlak

Greg GavlakDirector of Operations

Greg is responsible for Manufacturing, Production Planning and Supply Chain at Grote Company. His mission is to find ways to relentlessly extract waste from processes and to provide customers their products better and faster. Greg has previously held several leadership positions, including Captain in the United States Army. He was born and raised outside of Cleveland, OH and attended John Carroll University, where he played football. Now he coaches sports for his three children, supporting them with his wife Katie.  

Jack Grote

Jack GroteLifecycle Leader

Jack drives the lifecycle strategy across the Grote Company family of brands, including PFI and Vanmark. He focuses on helping food processors maintain and optimize their equipment from spec to replacement. He’s the third generation working in our family-owned and operated business. He graduated from The Ohio State University and previously worked as a tax accountant. He co-chairs the Open Circle Society at I Am Boundless, supporting individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives.

Andy Schneider

Andy SchneiderSales Director

Andy leads the sales, technical, and customer service teams that provide world-class support to our customers in North and Latin America. He’s been with Grote Company for over 20 years. Andy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and MBA from Miami University of Ohio. He has three grown children with his wife Tina and enjoys running and kayaking. He is a retired Captain in the US Navy Reserve.

What We stand for

 

Our Vision

To feed our growing world — together

Our Promise

Enduring commitment

 

Our Values

  • Integrity
  • Committed
  • Sense of Urgency
  • Respect
  • Adventurous
  • Positive Mindset
  • Excellence
  • Driven
  • Open Communication

Our Mission

  • Advancing food processing
  • Customer committed
  • Passionate people
  • Quality products
  • Profitable
  • Principle based
  • Growing
  • A great place to work

Our Team

We care deeply about serving our company and customers, as well as our families and communities. Our enduring commitment is obvious in the relationships we build. Many of our employees have been here for decades.

Global Reach

Our main manufacturing facility and headquarters is on the far east side of Columbus, Ohio, with international sales and service located in Deeside, UK, and a new parts warehouse in The Netherlands. Several remote employees throughout the U.S. and Europe support local customers, and we service our equipment footprint all over the world.

COMBINED EXPERTISE

As the Grote Company family of brands, we can provide more complete solutions to our customers and capitalize on our shared expertise and history in the food processing industry.

Family of Brands

Latest News & Resources

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What Lies Ahead in 2024 For Food Processing Manufacturers?

 
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How to Calculate Industrial Slicer Machine Payback and ROI

 

Watch our Full Catalog of Equipment Demo and Training Videos

We pride ourselves on friendly, exceptional service and function like an extension of your team. Contact us today to experience the Grote Company difference.

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