Franke Acquires Canadian Conveyor Maker, Easi-Serv

Franke Foodservice Systems has acquired Easi-Serv Products, a Canadian maker of conveyor systems that transport food orders from prep areas to a remote point of sale. Easi-Serv, based in Burnaby, B.C., also manufactures drive-through windows. Its customers include a number of the world’s biggest quick-serve chains.

Easi-Serv’s food-order transporter systems, based on a continuous track system like those in dry cleaners, often are installed in urban QSRs in Europe and Asia where space is tight and it’s not economically viable to build adjacent kitchens and front counters.

“The acquisition broadens the portfolio of products that Franke is able to offer its customers in the global foodservice industry,” stated Tom Campion, CEO of Franke’s Foodservice Systems division. “It gives us access to some new markets and customers that are served by Easi-Serv today. Meanwhile, we can provide the Easi-Serv brand a broader global presence in North America, Europe and Asia.”

Easi-Serv traces its roots to 1977, when its predecessor Richmond Glass served the commercial window market in and around Vancouver. In 2003, Peter Franklin, an entrepreneur, acquired the company and grew the business to include development and commercialization of transporter systems. Franklin, who now holds the titles of v.p. and general manager, and his management team will stay on to lead the newly branded Easi-Serv, a Franke Co., which will continue operating in its British Columbia facility.

Smyrna, Tenn.-based Franke Foodservice Systems is part of the Franke Group, which has 72 subsidiaries producing items such as consumer kitchen products, beverage kegs and washroom fixtures.