Metcalfe Catering Equipment Ltd is one of the United Kingdom’s oldest and most respected manufacturers and distributors of commercial food preparation and catering equipment. Established in 1928 and headquartered in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales, Metcalfe has a longstanding reputation for delivering high-performance, robust, and reliable kitchen equipment tailored for the demands of the foodservice industry.
Core Business
Metcalfe Catering Equipment offers an extensive range of food preparation, cooking, beverage, and kitchenware solutions for commercial kitchens. The company’s key business segments include:
- Food Preparation Equipment: Slicers, mixers, vegetable preparation machines, peelers, chippers, mincers, burger presses, stick mixers, and planetary mixers such as the renowned MP9.
- Cooking & Heating Equipment: Toasters, fryers, carving stations, griddle toasters, multi warmers, and rice cookers designed for high-output service kitchens.
- Beverage Equipment: Spindle drink mixers, juicers, ice crushers, hot water urns, and drinks blenders like the Ceado Juice Extractor.
- Kitchenware: Knife sanitisation tools, digital scales, mechanical portion scales, can openers, storage solutions, cookware, and knife sharpeners.
The company acts both as a manufacturer of proprietary equipment and as an exclusive UK distributor for several internationally recognized catering brands.
Specialisation and Core USP
Metcalfe’s competitive edge lies in its deep expertise in commercial kitchen equipment backed by nearly a century of operational excellence. Key USPs include:
- British manufacturing legacy: Core equipment lines like mixers, slicers, and chippers are made in the UK to precise engineering standards.
- Exclusive UK distribution partnerships with global brands including Hallde (Sweden), Pacojet (Switzerland), Ceado (Italy), Edlund (USA), Roband (Australia), Förje, Tormek, and others.
- Equipment tailored for efficiency: Machines are designed to maximize food yield, reduce prep time, and ensure consistent output for high-volume kitchens.
- In-depth training and support: Technical support and usage guidance from specialists with decades of industry knowledge.
Metcalfe’s product range is used across hospitality, institutional catering, food processing units, and public sector foodservice operations.
Financials
Although Metcalfe Catering Equipment Ltd is a private company and does not publicly disclose full financial reports, business intelligence indicates:
- Estimated annual revenue: £3–5 million
- Distribution to over 1,200 commercial kitchen operations across the UK and Ireland
- Long-standing relationships with catering equipment dealers and procurement groups
- Partnership-driven growth through OEM collaborations and brand representation
The company maintains healthy year-on-year growth driven by its reputation, durable equipment range, and strong after-sales service.
Shipment and Export Records
While Metcalfe’s primary market is the United Kingdom and Ireland, the company also supports:
- Export of UK-manufactured equipment to EU, Middle East, and select Commonwealth countries
- Exclusive distributorship deliveries for Hallde, Ceado, Pacojet, and others across the British Isles
- Partnerships with public sector institutions such as schools, prisons, NHS kitchens, and defence services
This logistics capability is supported by a robust supply chain and trained service technicians across the region.
Target Market
Metcalfe’s customers span a wide cross-section of the foodservice and hospitality ecosystem:
- Hotels, pubs, and restaurants
- Catering contractors and QSR chains
- Education and healthcare catering
- Correctional and defence institutions
- Food processing and central kitchens
Their equipment is particularly suited for operations requiring reliability, low maintenance, and high-capacity throughput.
Capabilities
- UK-based manufacturing and assembly line
- Multi-brand distribution and technical training for partner brands
- Dedicated sales and support teams across the UK and Ireland
- In-house marketing, product literature design, and dealer engagement programs
- CPD-accredited training and demo kitchen for chef trials and product showcases
Metcalfe’s technical team offers full guidance from product selection through to installation, user training, and ongoing maintenance.
Certifications and Compliance
- All products meet UKCA and CE compliance standards
- Materials certified for food-contact safety and electrical equipment regulations
- Imported equipment complies with EU/UK-specific voltage and hygiene norms
- Many lines conform to HACCP and BRC operational standards
- After-sales service includes replacement parts compliance with UK trade codes
These certifications ensure quality, safety, and suitability for regulated kitchen environments.
Customer Testimonials
- “We’ve used Metcalfe slicers and chippers for over 15 years. Outstanding reliability and easy to maintain.” – Head Chef, National Hotel Chain
- “The Hallde vegetable prep unit is a workhorse in our production kitchen. Fast, durable, and worth every penny.” – Catering Director, Healthcare Institution
- “From sales to support, Metcalfe's team is unmatched. Great service and top-quality kit.” – Procurement Manager, Contract Caterer
Major Achievements
- Over 95 years of continuous operation in the UK
- Exclusive UK distributor for eight major international catering brands
- Supplier to hundreds of NHS trusts, schools, and councils
- Supported thousands of UK hospitality businesses during the post-COVID restart with robust equipment supply
- Regular exhibitor at HRC (Hotel, Restaurant & Catering Show), Commercial Kitchen, and Public Sector Catering Expo
Metcalfe Catering Equipment Ltd remains a cornerstone of the UK commercial kitchen industry, trusted for its quality craftsmanship, service integrity, and enduring legacy. Their expansive equipment range and commitment to operator success make them a reliable partner for every level of the foodservice market.
