JBT to debut Formcook acquisition at FoodTech

07-Oct-2014 - Last updated on 07-Oct-2014 at 10:24 GMT

Food processing equipment manufacturer JBT has acquired Formcook, the long-established manufacturer of Teflon contact and combi cookers based in Helsingborg, Sweden.

The acquisition means JBT has added flexible, non-stick contact cooking to its portfolio of Stein jet stream ovens and Double D linear cookers, searer/grill-markers and its Frigoscandia freezing systems.

Hamburgers, bacon, kebabs

Bob Petrie, European sales director, JBT, told FoodProductionDaily, it has worked with Formcook in the past and the acquisition was a natural progression of this relationship.

“It means more cooking options for food processors so they can optimise their in-line processing to suit their exact requirements for the finished product,” he said.

“JBT has retained all the key sales, sales agents, sales support, service and engineering personnel from Formcook. The integration is now complete with the Formcook team fully absorbed into JBT’s work-flow and systems at our European headquarters in Sweden.

“JBT’s sales and service is fully supporting the Formcook equipment range. The integration has been very smooth due to JBT’s familiarisation with the Formcook organisation and technology.”

Founded in 1989, Formcook’s flagship product is a double-sided contact cooker, to cook thinner products with flat surfaces such as de-boned, sliced and formed products like hamburgers, bacon, kebabs and vegetables.

Contact cooking technology

The Formcook line also includes a combi cooker, a single belt, a flat belt and a steam cooker.

Petrie added Formcook was the pioneer in contact cooking technology, and the company continued to focus on making this their specialism.

Contact cooking transfers heat onto a product between two cooking belts which run between hot plates. It is the most effective method of transferring heat while providing fast cooking, high yields, quick changeovers and easy cleaning.

The former Formcook manufacturing site and test centre has now been integrated with JBT’s Food Technology Centre in Helsingborg, where testing is available.

Formcook will be featured on the JBT stand at the FoodTech Processing & Packaging Exhibition at Herning in Denmark (October 28–30) and at Gulfood in Dubai (November 9–11).

“The JBT exhibit will feature the Formcook Contact Cooker, together with JBT’s other equipment lines,” added Petrie.