TROY, OH, December 2, 2008 – Hobart and Baxter announced today that Hobart will be representing the Baxter brand of baking products, starting January 1, 2009. This collective offering will bring together Baxter’s premier baking brand with Hobart’s network of foodservice and food retail, sales, dealers and service representatives to deliver a more complete package of kitchen equipment.
“For more than fifty years, Baxter has been designing and manufacturing bakery equipment for the foodservice industry,” said Tom Szafranski, president of ITW Food Equipment Group-Commercial. “Bringing this premier brand under the Hobart sales organization provides our customers access to a full suite of offerings to solve the baking needs for any commercial kitchen.”
Production of Baxter equipment will continue at the company’s Orting, Wash. facility, while sales support will be handled by Hobart. Baxter’s baking products will be brought to market through the Hobart sales organization and dealers, improving the ease of doing business with both the Hobart and Baxter brands. In addition to independent servicers, the equipment will be supported by Hobart’s national network of nearly 1,700 factory-trained service technicians and 200 locations across the United States.
The Baxter baking business will continue to report to Damon Childers, vice president and general manager of ITW Food Equipment Group Bakery Division. Damon Childers has nearly 20 years in both the food retail and foodservice sales and marketing.
“This decision represents significant benefits for both new and current Baxter and Hobart customers,” said Childers. “Our customers are receiving the strength of the Hobart sales and support organizations combined with the premier Baxter baking product offerings, all available through one organization.”
About Hobart
Hobart is the world leader in commercial food equipment and service for the foodservice and food retail industries. Hobart manufactures products for warewashing and waste handling; food preparation; Baxter baking; cooking; weighing, wrapping and labeling systems; and Traulsen refrigeration. Hobart equipment is supported by a national network of nearly 1,700 factory-trained service technicians and 200 locations across the United States. To learn more about Hobart, visit www.hobartcorp.com
About Baxter
Since 1958, Baxter has been a leader in designing and manufacturing quality foodservice and bakery equipment worldwide. Baxter products include rotating rack ovens, revolving tray ovens, deck ovens, mini rotating rack ovens, proofers, proofer/retarders, bread slicers, dividers, moulders, carts/dollies, ingredient bins and other baking accessories. Baxter’s offering will be further enhanced by being part of Hobart. All Baxter equipment will be supported by Hobart’s national network of nearly 1,700 factory-trained service technicians and 200 locations across the United States. To learn more about Baxter, visit www.baxtermfg.com