May 7, 2009 Corporate Value Award Finalist

This award is given to a company that has and continues to create the greatest corporate enterprise value, either through organic growth or mergers.

U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., March 20, 2009 – For the second consecutive year, J.E. Grote Co., Inc. has been selected for the 2009 Best of Columbus Award in the Food Product Equipment category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Nationwide, only 1 in 70 (1.4%) 2008 Award recipients qualified as 2009 Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

Bob Grote

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.

AFT

According to Bob Grote, Vice President of Grote Company, ” The acquisition of AFT puts Grote in a position to offer customers a complete automated sandwich production solution from one reliable source. We have worked jointly with AFT in this market for years, using our slicers to apply proteins to sandwiches produced on AFT automated production lines. Now, our customers can obtain a turn-key solution from Grote for the entire sandwich assembly process. Fresh sandwiches continue to be a robust market in the United Kingdom and on the European continent. The North American market is poised for rapid growth and Grote will be in excellent position to capitalize on these opportunities.”

AFT will operate as a business division of the Grote Company under the name AFT Ltd. It will continue to manufacture equipment and operate from its’ current facility in Thame, Oxfordshire, UK.

For additional information on Grote’s acquisition of Advanced Food Technology Ltd. contact Bob Grote at (888)534-7683.

Grote Company is the world’s leading manufacturer of precision slicing and application equipment for the food processing industry, with manufacturing and headquarter operations located in Columbus, Ohio. Grote Company operates world-wide through its international sales and service office in Wrexham, North Wales. Other Grote businesses include Vanmark Equipment LLC in Creston, Iowa, a manufacturer of industrial peeling, washing, and material handling systems for the food processing industry. 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 Southeastern and Midwestern United States.

L to R: Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, Bob Grote, Governor Ted Strickland

Established in 1985, the “E” Award recognizes Ohio companies and organizations each year that have increased the number of export-related jobs in Ohio or heightened awareness of exporting as a vital component of the State’s economy.

According to Bob Grote, Vice President of Grote Company, “The acquisition of Vanmark fits perfectly within our growth strategy. At Grote, we recognize the need to further diversify our equipment offering into areas beyond our traditional protein markets. This strategy includes the acquisition of like-minded equipment manufacturers of engineered food processing equipment. The Vanmark Corporation scored well in both areas. We see many growth opportunities for Vanmark and believe that both companies will benefit from this acquisition.”

Vanmark will operate as a business division of the Grote Company under the name Vanmark Equipment LLC. It will continue to manufacture equipment and operate from its current facility in Creston, IA. Vanmark distributes equipment through a dealer network within the United States, as well as internationally in Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and South Africa.

For additional information on Grote’s acquisition of Vanmark Corporation, contact Mr. Bob Grote at (888) 534-7683.

Grote Company is the world’s leading manufacturer of precision slicing and application equipment for the food processing industry, with manufacturing and headquarter operations located in Columbus, Ohio. Grote Company operates world-wide through its international sales and service office in Wrexham, North Wales. Grote Company was founded in 1972 by local business entreprenuer 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.

This unique system allows bacon processors to achieve significant reduction in yield losses and product giveaway normally associated with loose fitting bacon bellies.

In terms of a return on investment, this system could pay for itself in a matter of months.

• Lab tests have produced nominal yield improvements of no less than .001″ per slice on pressed bacon bellies, resulting in a yield increase of 2-3 additional slices per belly and 1-2 additional usable slices through each belly transition.
• All mechanical system; no modifications to electrical controls or power supplies required.
• No restrictions to standard operating speeds.
• Available as an option on all new Grote High Speed Slicers and as a field modification kit on most existing High Speed Slicers currently in service.
• No additional time required to change-out product holders.
• Easy to clean.