Vanmark Equipment LLC, headquartered in Creston, Ohio, USA, is a premier manufacturer and global supplier of industrial food processing equipment, with a core focus on root vegetable and produce processing lines. With over 65 years of engineering expertise, Vanmark is known for its rugged equipment, hygienic design, and innovative automation systems that optimize the peeling, cutting, washing, conveying, and storing of potatoes and produce.
Company Overview
Founded in 1954, Vanmark Equipment LLC has built a strong legacy in designing equipment that enhances food quality, processing efficiency, and plant throughput. The company operates globally, serving a diverse client base that includes frozen French fry producers, chip manufacturers, fresh-cut processors, and vegetable packers. Vanmark is part of the Grote Company family, expanding its access to global markets, R&D synergies, and food tech innovation.
Core Business
Vanmark specializes in the manufacturing and integration of:
- Potato and produce processing machinery
- High-capacity washing, peeling, and cutting systems
- Automated storage, conveying, and sorting equipment
- Sanitation and waste management systems
Its modular solutions cater to both small-scale food processors and multinational plants, with scalability and operational efficiency as core priorities.
Products and Services
Vanmark’s product offerings are segmented across key processing operations:
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Peeling, Washing, and Scrubbing Equipment:
- 1820 Series Peeler/Scrubber/Washers – Ideal for potatoes and carrots, featuring abrasive or brush rollers
- Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems – Automated sanitation with minimal downtime
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Cutting and Hydrocutting Systems:
- Hydrocutter Skid – Uses water acceleration to slice potatoes into fries or strips with consistent sizing
- Hydrocutter Transfer and Receivers – Controlled transfer of cut product for downstream processes
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Conveying and Handling Systems:
- Even Feeder Conveyors – Regulate product flow to maximize line efficiency
- Flume Systems – Water-based product transport and separation
- Bulk Storage Bins – Designed for in-process or finished product handling
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Specialized Applications:
- Hydrolift Destoners – Separate heavy debris from vegetables
- Waste Separating Augers – Remove peels and debris efficiently
- Water Reclamation Systems – Reduce water usage and improve sustainability
Vanmark’s equipment is used in processing potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, beets, peppers, and other root crops. Their systems are also deployed in French fry, chip, and fresh produce operations.
Specialization and USP
Vanmark’s unique capabilities lie in its hydrocutter technology and high-capacity abrasive peeling systems, which deliver consistent results with reduced waste. Their CIP-enabled washers and water reuse systems are designed for sanitary, low-maintenance operations.
Key USPs:
- Modular equipment with field-proven designs
- USDA and FDA-compliant stainless steel construction
- Designed for 24/7 operation in harsh food processing environments
- Integrated automation systems compatible with PLC/SCADA platforms
Their engineering excellence, paired with flexible configurations, makes Vanmark ideal for processors requiring repeatable quality, high throughput, and regulatory compliance.
Financials and Business Performance
While financials are not publicly disclosed, as a part of Grote Company, Vanmark benefits from a strong financial backbone and continuous investment in innovation. Estimated performance indicators include:
- Revenue contribution estimated at $30–50 million annually
- Equipment pricing ranges from $25,000 to over $400,000 per unit/system
- Average lifespan of equipment: 15–20 years
- Over 5,000 installations worldwide across 6 continents
The company continues to grow its market share in North America, EMEA, and Asia through new equipment development and strategic service partnerships.
Shipment and Export Insights
Vanmark Equipment LLC exports to more than 60 countries, including:
- Canada, Mexico, and Chile – Potato and root crop processing
- Germany, Netherlands, and UK – Snack food manufacturers
- India and Southeast Asia – Fresh-cut and frozen vegetable plants
- Middle East and North Africa – French fry production for fast food supply chains
Vanmark recently opened a European sales and service center in the Netherlands to enhance after-sales support and streamline regional logistics.
Target Market
Vanmark’s primary customers include:
- Frozen French fry producers
- Potato chip manufacturers
- Fresh-cut vegetable processors
- Vegetable canners and blenders
- Agro-export and contract food manufacturing companies
The company also supports industrial kitchens and mid-sized factories scaling up their automation and hygiene standards.
Capabilities
- In-house design, machining, and testing
- Pilot-scale R&D equipment for client trials
- Turnkey project management with global commissioning teams
- Custom integration with third-party conveyors, chillers, and cookers
- Water efficiency planning and waste management support
Certifications and Compliance
- USDA and FDA-approved food contact surfaces
- CE-compliant machinery for European exports
- 3-A Sanitary Standards applied to design
- ISO-aligned manufacturing protocols under Grote Company umbrella
Customer Testimonials
“Vanmark’s peeler/scrubber has run non-stop in our fry line with only minimal maintenance. Their CIP system saved us countless hours in sanitation.”
— Engineering Manager, Frozen Potato Manufacturer, USA
“The hydrocutter unit gives us the consistency we need for uniform fries—excellent build quality and easy to clean.”
— Production Lead, Vegetable Processing Plant, Belgium
Major Achievements
- Over 5,000 installations globally
- Expanded production and service capabilities with new European support hub (2022)
- Developed industry-first modular flume and waste systems to reduce water use
- Integrated hydrocutter solutions installed in North America’s largest frozen fry plants
- Featured at Pack Expo, Interpom, and Gulfood Manufacturing
Vanmark Equipment LLC continues to lead the food processing industry with efficient, durable, and hygienic equipment solutions—empowering global food processors to meet productivity goals while maintaining quality and sustainability.