Equipment Made Easy 2018-01-01 (2)

A brief look at some of the most recent products and services introduced to assist retailers with their equipment, design and operational needs. Making things easy.  Simplifying.  Streamlining. Three goals that top most retailers’ lists of what they desire to help their businesses run smoother, quicker and more efficient. Knowing the end goal is the easy part. Traversing the maze of suppliers is the challenging part. While many claim to have the solution retailers need, as some can attest, not all suppliers are the same. Who will best partner with retailers, support them and deliver on their expectations? Who will have a retailer’s back if an issue arises and service the products they sold without excuse? With this in mind, Grocery Headquarters has put together a selection of equipment, design and operations companies for review and to serve as a starting point in retailers’ research to uncover those companies in a position to help their business and stay competitive. Alto-Shaam Alto-Shaam manufactures low-temperature cook and hold ovens, hot food holding cabinets, display cases, combination oven/steamers, convection ovens, high-speed ovens and merchandisers for the commercial foodservice industry. The CT PROformance Combitherm ovens from Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based Alto-Shaam are designed to help retailers expand deli offerings by providing versatility, precision and reliability. Considered an alternative for a convection oven, kettle, steamer, fryer, smoker and dehydrator, these ovens operate up to 20 percent faster than other combi ovens and up to 80 percent faster than conventional technology, say company officials. Design features include a larger programmable touchscreen control for one-touch cooking and a precise humidity level from 0 to 100 percent. The zero clearance design allows for placement anywhere on the line, saving valuable floor and hood space. The automated cleaning system helps retailers save on time and labor. Amtekco Industries For more than 100 years, Amtekco Industries, based in Columbus, Ohio, has been manufacturing displays, merchandisers, countertops, shelving and material handling equipment for the food retail business. Amtekco Industries’ mobile, self-contained, hot/cold food bars are NSF-7 and NSF-2 compliant and are designed to allow easy positioning in high-traffic areas. Company officials say the heavy-duty stainless steel construction and frameless glass sneeze guard ensure years of dependability. Units are designed to maintain critical holding temperatures with electronic temperature controls and overhead heating on hot bars. Merchandisers include cord and plug application, on/off switch, LED lighting, base sliding doors and four locking casters. Catch pan protectors are in place to provide easy cleanup and longer coil life. Anthony Anthony is a manufacturer and solutions provider of glass doors, lighting systems and display equipment for use in commercial refrigeration systems. Looking to help retailers engage customers, Sylmar, Calif.-based Anthony recently introduced the iDOOR. The iDOOR includes a transparent LCD embedded within the refrigeration cooler or freezer doors that plays full motion video at the point of purchase. This patented technology allows transparent video and animation in full HD (1920 x 1080) to be played on the door while giving customers the ability to still see the products contained within the cooler or freezer. Company officials say the iDOOR combines digital technology and in-store merchandising strategies that deliver proximity-based messaging for improved shopper engagement and conversion. “The iDOOR delivers high-definition visual promotions that target and connect with grocery and supermarket customers,” says one official. This next-generation digital platform, he adds, provides customer engagement by placing actionable messages in the shoppers’ line of sight and within arm’s reach of the product. Assembled Products Corp. As the inventors of a commercial electric shopping cart, Assembled Products Corp. (APC), based in Rogers, Ark., continues to innovate with dependable, safe, robust carts designed with the customer’s comfort in mind, say company officials. For instance, the Ultima by Mart Cart features an industry exclusive 24-inch wide seat, a wide rear wheelbase supported by solid dually wheels and APC’s patented 300-watt Hub motor. In addition, the Ultima is designed for 1,000 pounds of moving capacity. Carlson AirFlo Merchandising Systems For more than 25 years, Carlson AirFlo Merchandising Systems, based in Brooklyn Park, Minn., has been a leader in produce merchandising. The company offers customized merchandising solutions intended to provide customers with increased sales while reducing labor and shrink. Carlson AirFlo has recently introduced the AirShelf System, a solution in response to the market’s demand for a low profile merchandising shelf. The AirShelf’s sleek, clean profile allows the customer to see products without distractions or obstructions, say company officials. AirFlo created this new design to enhance display items and improve category management for ease of seasonal adjustment. Officials say the easy cleaning, light weight AirShelf features Super Slim LED lighting and is ideal for all departments such as cheese/deli, meat, produce and bakery, as well as center store departments. CLARK Material Handling Co. CLARK Material Handling Co. offers a full range of internal combustion and electric trucks for diverse applications. For instance, CLARK’s HWX lift is highly maneuverable, easily serviceable and extremely versatile. Officials for the Lexington, Ky.-based company say CLARK incorporates state-of-the-art technology into its Powrworker line, which continues to set the standard for rugged dependability since its introduction as a hydraulically powered low-lift in 1920. D|Fab D|Fab works with progressive retailers to establish a meaningful brand connection with their customers—by creating store experiences that communicate creatively, consistently and cost-effectively. D|Fab’s design studio and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility handles projects from concept design through signage and décor production and installation. The Madison Heights, Mich.-based company has created a company culture that supports uncompromising customer service and can respond quickly to fulfill project requirements that extend from single prototype concepts to national rollout programs. Generac Generac Power Systems, based in Waukesha, Wis., is a global supplier of backup power and prime power products, systems and engine-powered tools. For more than 55 years, the company has been dedicated to innovation, durability and excellence, resulting in its ability to expand its product portfolio into homes and small businesses, on job sites and in industrial and mobile applications, say company officials. One of the latest offerings from Generac Power Systems is the Protector Series generator. The affordable commercial backup comes equipped with advanced controls that enable around-the-clock monitoring, quiet operation and flexible fuel options. Its smart design allows for fuel efficiency and easy installation, even in the tightest of spaces. Generac’s Protector Series also features a set of popular preconfigured options and accessories to ensure it will be able to adapt to local diesel-fueled backup generator codes. Officials add that the Protector Series is among the most cost-effective diesel-fueled backup power solutions available today. Globe Food Equipment Co. Globe Food Equipment Co. is a leading manufacturer of commercial food preparation and countertop cooking equipment. The Dayton, Ohio-based company has recently introduced a 60-quart Pizza Mixer, designed for high-volume pizza operations. With rigid construction, 3HP motor and two fixed speeds, the SP62P can handle up to 50 pounds of flour and 3 gallons of water. Front-mounted touch pad controls with LED display, 60-minute digital timer and last-batch recall are designed for operator convenience. It includes industry standard #12 attachment hub, removable stainless steel interlocking bowl guard with built-in, fully welded ingredient chute, power bowl lift and thermal overload protection. The mixer also comes with a 60-quart stainless steel bowl, aluminum spiral dough hook and a bowl truck. Hobart Corp. The Hobart Corp. manufacturers a wide range of commercial food equipment for the foodservice and grocery industries, including products for warewashing and waste handling, food preparation, Baxter bakery, cooking, weighing, wrapping and labeling systems and Traulsen refrigeration. The Troy, Ohio-based company is an ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award winner in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year in 2008 and 2009. Hobart’s continuous-feed food processors were designed for use in deli and prepared food sections. The full range of blade options enables users to dice, grate, chop, julienne and crimp-slice everything from cheese to carrots. With large feed hoppers that eliminate precutting, a de-coring screw that allows more complete processing and a planetary drive that prevents stalling under heavy loads, Hobart’s continuous-feed food processor enables culinary creativity and produces uniform results down to the last cut. Hussmann Corp. The Hussmann Corp., based in Bridgeton, Mo., provides a broad array of solutions for merchandising/shopper engagement, refrigeration, asset management and supply chain management that address the critical needs of food retailers to increase sales, reduce costs and increase shopper loyalty. Hussmann’s new SPLASH digital lighting technology combines color and motion intended to attract the attention of shoppers and generate product awareness to increase at-shelf purchase decisions. The SPLASH technology can be applied to any standard shelf, anywhere in the store, from low and medium temperature display cases to center store shelving or promotional end caps, say company officials. It can also be integrated into other in-store and shopper engagement programs that add to a retailer’s brand image and experience. “SPLASH has the potential to change how food retailers interact with their customers,” says one company official. Mettler Toledo Mettler Toledo is a global manufacturer of precision instruments for use in laboratory, industrial and grocery retailing applications. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the company’s offerings for grocery retail include weighing, labeling, packaging and service solutions. These solutions are found in six “focus zones” encompassing fresh produce, service counter, backroom, bakery, checkout and specialty. Mettler Toledo’s approach is to actively seek the best combination of focused people, intuitive products and effective processes. Its extensive service network ensures maximized efficiency and productivity, say company officials. Midway Displays Midway Displays, a POP fixture manufacturing company for more than 30 years, offers a wide selection of “Mix and Match” stock components, all made in the U.S., allowing its clients to create merchandisers that exceed presentation needs, economically and with short lead times, perfect for cross-merchandising or product launches, say officials for the Bedford Park, Ill.-based company. Midway’s floor and counter merchandising collections include unique presentation solutions and proprietary designs constructed of steel structures, molded plastic and wire components complete with graphics that speak to brand messaging and information at the critical moment of the consumers’ purchase decision. ORBIS Corp. ORBIS Corp., based in Oconomowoc, Wis., is an international manufacturer of sustainable, reusable packaging and an expert in supply chain optimization, say company officials. The company recently introduced the 600 by 400 Mini-Load multi-compartment tote. Officials say the ORBIS Mini-Load tote enables companies to move product faster, safer and more cost-effectively within their automated system, while helping reduce waste and overall impact on the environment. It was specifically designed to interface with many types of automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and shuttle systems found in today’s state-of-the-art warehouses and distribution centers. The tote, which was designed to make picking and replenishment more efficient, is available in two different styles, including a divider system that creates storage cells or a drop-in, removable pod system. The tote is designed to hold four to eight removable pods that can easily be inserted depending on the specific needs of a line. For added durability and better ease of use, the tote also features contoured handles and a reinforced bottom to minimize deflection. The ML6040-325 is also available with a smooth bottom. PFlow Industries Pflow Industries is a supplier of freight lifts and specialized conveyors. Its Cartveyor Shopping Cart Conveyor provides a modern and efficient way for customers to move shopping carts within multi-level stores and/or between retail and parking levels, say company officials. Officials for the Milwaukee-based company say that Cartveyors, used in conjunction with escalators, are a fast and safe way to move customers and their carts between levels. Cartveyors are designed to convey large single basket carts and metro style double basket convenience carts. Code compliant and easy to use, Cartveyors require minimal maintenance and are designed for years of trouble-free service, add officials. Process Retail Group Inc. Process Retail Group, Inc., based in New Berlin, Wis., has been partnering with top national brand marketers and chain retailers for more than 85 years in the creation of custom fixtures, displays, on-shelf merchandising systems and signage programs. Process Merchandising, a division of Process Retail Group, develops proprietary on-shelf merchandising systems that tackle the toughest of categories from produce to frozen foods. Accent Industries, another division of Process Retail Group, creates custom checkout lanes, service counters, produce and bakery fixtures and wine fixtures for the grocery and mass merchant markets. Rice Lake Weighing Systems Rice Lake Weighing Systems, along with its partner, Ishida, provides a range of retail weighing solutions, from simple-price computing scales, to point-of-sale systems, to fully automatic wrapping equipment. With a commitment to customer service and the ability to rapidly respond to market demands, Rice Lake extends Ishida’s tradition of excellence to U.S. retail markets, say company officials. Together they forge a partnership that combines the efforts of more than 1,000 employees, three ISO-certified facilities and more than 150 years experience in delivering high-quality weighing solutions. Based in Rice Lake, Wis., the company has recently introduced the Uni-3 countertop scale. Offered in three models and two display types; the scale features premium-class presets, fast print speed and more labeling functions. Ethernet or optional wireless communication enables any Uni-3 to be added to an existing network and ScaleLink Pro 5 Lite ensures easy file maintenance. www.ricelakeretail.com uSe-Kure Controls For 50 years, Se-Kure Controls, a manufacturer of safety and security products, has helped improve safety and reduce shoplifting in a wide range of retail stores and warehouses. Based in Franklin Park, Ill., Se-Kure Controls’ products are manufactured in three U.S. plants, enabling them to control costs and quality and assure fast delivery. The company’s full line offering includes safety and security mirrors, CCTV domes, cash drop boxes, annunciators, merchandise display alarms, mechanical cables and retractors, keypad door locks and more. www.se-kure.com uSouthern Imperial Southern Imperial is best known for manufacturing a large variety of displays and fixtures for various retail environments. One of the company’s latest introductions is FACER, a timesaving approach to keep wine and spirits organized on the shelf. Officials for the Rockford, Ill.-based company say that with FACER, each line of bottles is quickly and easily pulled to the front of the shelf. FACER helps to keep the shelf looking attractive and improves the bottom line for retailers because it cuts down on time spent on restocking, stock counting and facing, officials add.  www.southernimperial.com uSPC Retail SPC Retail is best known for its specialty fixture design and manufacturing using 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic materials. The Holly, Mich.-based company has introduced a collection of Pop-Up Tilt-Top displays. Made of heavy-duty recycled plastic, the Slant Tables are durable, versatile and affordable. The easy, no-tool assembly allows for the displays to be set up quickly and easily, say company officials, adding that the lower shelf can be used to create “show and stow” impulse displays for seasonal produce/floral, baked goods, apparel and even a TRY ME sample station. www.SPC-Retail.com uZOO Fans Grocery stores, with their many microclimates, are notoriously difficult to heat and cool. An effective, low-cost solution for stores of any size are small, energy-efficient destratification fans which can eliminate hot and cold spots as well as improve HVAC efficiency by improving air circulation. According to Jeff Benton, president of Boulder, Colo.-based Zoo Fans, its destratification fans noticeably and efficiently improve comfort in the ZOO— Zone Of Occupancy—without creating barriers between the customers and the products. Designed to be used with either open ceilings or drop ceilings, he says these variable speed fans are easy to install and may be operated manually or automatically. www.zoofanss