Columbus, Ohio, 3 October, 2007 – Grote Company has announced its recent acquisition of UK-based Advanced Food Technology Ltd. With over 25 years of industry experience, Advanced Food Technology (AFT) is a recognized leader in the innovation, design, and manufacture of industrial sandwich line automation equipment for the food processing industry. In addition, AFT manufactures unique specialty cutting and depositing equipment for other food segments, such as vegetables, confections, and bread products.

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.