Pro Foodservice Reps Named As New Representatives For Hatco

Pro Foodservice Reps (PFR) has partnered with Hatco under a new agreement that will see Leicestershire-based PFR manage all UK sales and marketing for the established US hot holding brand.

Employee-owned Hatco has had a presence in the UK market since the 1990s and the appointment of PFR is seen as a firm commitment to UK customers. UK dealers will continue to be able to benefit from Hatco products delivered at competitive prices, invoiced directly from Hatco in the US, delivered via local stock, with invoicing in GBP.

A global leader in hot holding, many of the brand’s key products focus on keeping food in the suitable environment ready to serve, including one of the widest ranges of drawer warmers. Hatco is also known for its conveyor toasters, heated wells and induction hobs to name a few product categories.  

For Pro Foodservice Reps, the agreement supports long-term growth plans including an upgraded test kitchen and showroom, set to re-open in Summer 2023 after a post covid refresh. PFR have also invested in additional warehousing to facilitate the onboarding of Hatco and other USA brands coming in 2023.

The UK’s original foodservice equipment manufacturers’ rep group, Pro Foodservice Reps was founded in 2014 by joint owners and directors, Andy Piggin and Ross Gibson. Its US-style model gives overseas manufacturers access to the UK market via an existing team of industry experts, whilst selling only via distributors and keeping product costs to the end user competitive.

Hatco is the latest brand to join the firm’s portfolio, alongside American Metalcraft, Barfly, Baselite, Mercer Culinary, Puracycle and Spidocook.

Debra Kopczynski, Director – International Sales for Hatco, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with PFR and committed to ensuring continuity of service for our customers in the UK.”

Hatco’s Sturgeon Bay manufacturing plant in Door County, Wisconsin, offers approximately 330,000 square feet of well-lit and climate-controlled space. Hatco has adopted Demand Flow Technology (DFT) for its manufacturing principles in an effort to promote quick shipment turnarounds.

To support this Hatco, has invested heavily in equipment that reduces setup times, while still being operator friendly for programming and operation. Examples include four lasers (representing fibre and CO₂) attached to a common raw material delivery system, fibre laser welding and automatic tool changing press brakes (both robotic and stand-alone). 

Investments have been made to enhance quality, consistency and creating better ergonomic conditions for employee owners, with further investments in 2023 set to include collaborative robots (co-bots) and automated mobile robots (AMRs).

In a letter to UK dealers and distributors, Debra adds: “Hatco products will continue to be supplied directly to catering equipment dealers from Hatco corporation, which will allow UK end users to benefit from Hatco products at the lowest possible costs. Hatco orders will ship from stock, ex PFR’s warehouse, with freight paid by Hatco to your door. UK distributors continue to be invoiced in pounds sterling and can remit payment locally.”

Under the agreement, which begins on April 3rd, PFR will be hosting three trips for dealers and major end users to the Hatco University in Wisconsin later this year. Attendees will get a better idea of the features and benefits of Hatco products, as well as meeting key members of the Hatco team. PFR will also be showcasing Hatco products, along with those from other PFR factories, at the ENSE Spring Summit in April, Commercial Kitchen Show in September and HOST Milan in October.  

Andy Piggin, Managing Director of Pro Foodservice Reps, said: “PFR is an extension of the factories that we work with, helping to grow their brands here in the UK. Our primary purpose is to be the local sales force for our manufacturers and bring well informed information from them to the UK dealer community. Each of our partners is aware of our dedication and commitment to support their growth, and we’re looking forward to bringing that same ethos to Hatco.”

Malcolm Skinner, Managing Director of Hatco’s UK service provider, Marren, said: “Marren is delighted that Pro Foodservice Reps will be representing Hatco in the UK, while Marren continues to be the exclusive warranty partner and UK distributor of spare parts.

“Having worked closely with Hatco for many years, we are extremely proud to continue supporting the Hatco brand in the UK through its new partnership with Pro Foodservice Reps.

“We are confident that this collaboration will bring a wealth of benefits to the UK foodservice industry and we look forward to working together to serve Hatco’s customers.”

www.profoodservicereps.co.uk