U.S – Universal Pure Holdings, LLC, the largest independent provider of high-pressure processing (HPP) and cold chain solutions for food & beverage customers in North America, has acquired Hydrofresh Ltd, an outsourced HPP and cold storage provider.
With a leading market presence in the Midwest, Hydrofresh was founded by Keller Logistics Group, a logistics company providing warehousing and freight brokerage services, and Don Klausing in 2018.
Guided by a sincere focus on customer service, the company has steadily increased its HPP capacity in its state-of-the-art facility and has made significant investments in the local community.
“We are thrilled to add Hydrofresh HPP to the Universal Pure network, which builds a truly national platform of HPP-centered cold chain solutions.”
HPP is a high growth food safety and quality technology used to inactivate foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in food and beverage products.
It extends product shelf-life without the use of additives or preservatives to enable a clean-label without compromising taste, texture or nutritional value.
“We started with seven full-time employees and now have over 100 employees. Since 2018 we’ve installed a second machine to keep servicing our customers’ growing need for HPP. Both Hydrofresh HPP and Universal Pure are focused on helping food manufacturers provide high-quality products with clean labels that consumers are demanding today.
“The HPP technology also provides a longer shelf life and with that, less food waste. By joining the Universal Pure network, we’ll be able to expand our customers’ access to HPP services across the U.S.,” said Mr. Klausing, President of Hydrofresh HPP.
The transaction expands Universal Pure’s geographic reach in the Midwest, facilitating the delivery of higher levels of service and quality to its growing base of over 150 food and beverage customers.
The combined company operates 20 HPP machines across its national, strategic facility footprint of seven locations, which makes it one of the largest users of HPP globally.
With Universal’s and Hydrofresh HPP’s partnership, the company’s footprint is located within a truck-day of all major food production hubs in the U.S., yielding an unmatched ability to move food & beverage products across the HPP supply chain.
“We are thrilled to add Hydrofresh HPP to the Universal Pure network, which builds a truly national platform of HPP-centered cold chain solutions.
“We have great respect and admiration for the company Don and his team have built over the past four years and look forward to working with the Hydrofresh HPP team to drive further growth across our businesses,” said Jeff Williams, CEO of Universal Pure.
He noted that adding Hydrofresh HPP’s capabilities to Universal Pure will enable them to better serve their customers and their supply chain needs to deliver safe, healthy and clean label foods.
“Through the dedication of our combined team of nearly 800 employees, we are thrilled about the opportunity to further cement our leadership position in the HPP industry. This transaction showcases Universal Pure’s commitment to invest in our capabilities and services to further advance adoption of HPP,” added Mr. Williams.
According to Bryan Keller, CEO of Keller Logistics Group, teaming up with Universal Pure will be of great benefit to Keller since HPP is outside of its core focus of logistics.
“Don and his team’s expertise have made Hydrofresh HPP a success. Now they will become part of a larger network allowing them to continue to serve their customers, expand their services, and provide quality jobs for the residents of Delphos, Ohio,” he said.
Mr. Klausing will retain his leadership role of Hydrofresh HPP, focusing on the growth of the combined entity’s business.
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