Manitowoc Focuses Americas Ovens Operations In Cleveland

Manitowoc Foodservice is consolidating its manufacturing and operating functions for its Americas Ovens division in a new, expanded facility in Cleveland. When the transition is completed later this year, the Ohio facility will produce Cleveland Steamers, Garland convection ovens, Convotherm combi ovens and Lincoln conveyor ovens, as well as market and distribute Manitowoc’s Merrychef  brand speed ovens, which are manufactured in a recently expanded global manufacturing facility in Sheffield, England.

The New Port Richey, Fla., company says the Cleveland-based Americas Ovens group’s new 30,000-sq.-ft. regional headquarters will significantly strengthen its ability to provide integrated product and service solutions to its foodservice customers. Improvements include new quality systems, computerized work instructions, lean workflow systems and updated warehouse operations. An expanded, state-of-the-art commercial kitchen will allow expanded customer support, equipment testing and sales training, as well as video and audio capabilities for remote instruction and demonstrations.

“Through this consolidation and our ongoing investments in Cleveland, Manitowoc will improve the service we provide to our customers with easier mixing of products for shipment, consolidated business operations and greater reinvestment in product development,” said Mike Kachmer, president of Manitowoc Foodservice.

As part of the consolidation, Manitowoc will shut down manufacturing operations at its Fort Wayne, Ind., facility. The company will establish a satellite office in the area to provide Lincoln customer service and technical support services to resellers, end users and service agencies.