Columbus, Ohio, 3 March 2008 - Grote Company recently announced the promotion of Bob Grote as its new President.  Grote joined the company in 2000, and has most recently served as the company's Vice President of Sales and Service.  He will be responsible for the growth and development of the Grote Company and its two operating divisions, Vanmark Equipment, LLC in Creston, IA and Advanced Food Technology in Oxfordshire, UK.  Grote replaces Geoff Rawes as company President.  Rawes joined Grote in 1989 and headed its international sales division until 2004, when he took over as Grote's President.  Rawes, who has over 41 years experience in the food equipment industry, will remain active on Grote's Advisory Board and will continue to serve in a business development role for the company.  Grote Company was founded in 1972 by local business entrepreneur Jim Grote, founder and majority owner of Donatos Pizza.  Donatos Pizza currently operates 200 stores within 5 states in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States.