Marlen, headquartered in Riverside, Missouri, USA, is a globally recognized manufacturer of premium food processing equipment, specializing in thermal processing, portioning, size reduction, vacuum stuffing, and hygienic food handling solutions. With a heritage dating back to 1950, Marlen has built a reputation for engineering excellence, delivering high-performance systems for meat, poultry, seafood, plant-based, and prepared food industries.
Core Business
Marlen designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of food processing equipment tailored to improve yield, consistency, and food safety. Their turnkey and standalone systems serve food processors of all sizes, offering solutions that span the production line—from raw material handling through portioning and thermal processing to packaging.
Product & Service Offerings
Marlen’s product portfolio includes high-precision and heavy-duty systems engineered for long-term reliability and operational efficiency:
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Vacuum Stuffing and Pumping
- Opti Series Vacuum Stuffers and Pumps: Ensures gentle product handling with reduced air incorporation for sausages, emulsions, and pâtés
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Portioning
- Carruthers DuraKut 6000 Series Dicers: Precise, high-capacity portion cutting for meat, cheese, fruits, and vegetables
- Carruthers Automatic Meat Shredders: Ideal for pulled meats with consistent texture and minimal product damage
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Size Reduction
- Slicers, Dicers, Grinders, Shredders, and Jet Knives designed for high-speed and high-volume processing environments
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Thermal Processing
- Industrial Smokehouses: Engineered for even heat and smoke distribution
- Batch and Continuous Ovens: Designed for scalable throughput
- Dehydrators, Chillers, and Freezers: Precision-controlled for consistent results
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Food Handling and Plant Hygiene
- Stainless steel carts, loading hoppers, lifters, dumpers, vats, and drainage systems designed to meet USDA and FDA sanitation standards
All equipment is built in the U.S. using sanitary design principles, robust materials, and automation options for digital monitoring and control.
Specialisation and USP
Marlen’s core strength lies in its engineering-focused innovation, delivering systems known for:
- Durability and hygienic design suitable for 24/7 operation
- High-yield, low-waste systems that reduce operating costs
- Customizable configurations for varied food products
- Proven thermal process control technology, ensuring consistent product quality and food safety
- Integration of Afoheat brand flame searing and surface browning systems for ready-to-eat products
The Carruthers and Afoheat sub-brands complement Marlen’s offerings, expanding its range to cover critical stages of food production and finishing.
Financial Strength
As a subsidiary of Duravant LLC, a global engineered equipment company, Marlen benefits from strong financial backing and a growing global footprint. Duravant generates over $1 billion in annual revenues, and Marlen is a significant contributor within its food processing segment.
The company has invested heavily in facility expansion, automated assembly lines, and R&D, reflecting robust financial health and long-term commitment to the industry.
Shipment Data
Marlen exports extensively to North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Trade data and distributor partnerships indicate:
- Over 2,000 systems installed globally
- Frequent shipments of thermal processing systems to large-scale meat and poultry plants
- High-volume sales of Carruthers DuraKut dicers and Opti series vacuum stuffers in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America
Their service and support hubs across continents ensure smooth installation, commissioning, and maintenance globally.
Target Market
Marlen serves a broad spectrum of clients:
- Industrial food processors (meat, poultry, seafood, cheese, plant-based)
- RTE and frozen food manufacturers
- Specialty and gourmet food producers
- Government and institutional food programs
Clients prioritize Marlen for precision engineering, customization, and cleanability, making it a preferred partner for regulatory-compliant operations.
Capabilities
Marlen’s in-house capabilities include:
- Mechanical and automation engineering
- CNC machining and metal fabrication
- Pilot plant and test kitchen for product trials
- Custom software integration for process control
- Global service, spare parts, and technical support teams
Their U.S.-based manufacturing facility is ISO-certified and equipped for both low-volume specialty builds and high-volume production.
Certifications and Compliance
Marlen equipment adheres to stringent global food safety and equipment design standards:
- USDA and FDA Compliant
- 3-A Sanitary Standards
- CE Certification for European markets
- ISO 9001 Certified Manufacturing
- Hygienic designs that meet EHEDG and NSF guidelines
These certifications ensure safe operation, easy cleanability, and long lifecycle in demanding food plant environments.
Major Achievements
- Over 70 years of leadership in food processing technology
- Integrated into Duravant’s global portfolio, gaining access to international markets and resources
- Continuous innovation in thermal processing, now used by leading protein brands across the U.S.
- Launched the Carruthers DuraKut 6000 Series, a high-precision dicing system now installed in over 25 countries
- Recognized for customer-driven customization and support, winning industry awards for engineering excellence
Customer Testimonials
Customers across the globe commend Marlen for:
- Equipment reliability and operational uptime
- Excellent customer service and after-sales support
- Precision and consistency in slicing, pumping, and thermal applications
- Ease of maintenance and superior sanitation standards
Marlen is widely trusted by food processors looking for long-term performance, process optimization, and regulatory compliance in their production lines.
