Henny Penny Adds To Its Pen

EATON, Ohio -- Henny Penny Corp. announced that it has purchased New Jersey-based Refcon Inc., a highly-regarded manufacturer of refrigerated display cases and custom merchandising solutions. The deal was concluded earlier this month.

Refcon is a 20-year-old specialty manufacturer known for the innovative design and quality workmanship of its custom refrigerated merchandising and food presentation concepts. In addition to deli and bakery applications, Refcon integrates refrigerated case function with dramatic visuals for increased product sales in a wide range of applications, including cafeteria, candy, salads and prepared foods, Henny Penny said.

"We are absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to bring Refcon's expertise and creativity into the fold," said Steve Cobb, president and CEO of Henny Penny, the Eaton, Ohio-based foodservice equipment manufacturer. "It's an excellent fit. Our combined customers will be the big winners as we integrate food production and merchandising into total solutions that can be customized to support a particular consumer experience."

According to Rob Connelly, Henny Penny's vice president of marketing, the fit is good in more ways than one. While both companies are compatible in their corporate values and culture, there is very little overlap in product lines, he said. Henny Penny's line is used primarily in cooking, holding and displaying hot food, and focuses on high volume and efficient operation. Refcon's business begins with core refrigerated merchandising products and often proceeds with custom, one-off designs and installations.

"This is mainly about how we complement each other in the marketplace," said Connelly. "Refcon's work is more closely associated with store design considerations. When you think about the value of one supplier integrating the front end consumer experience -- hot, cold or dry -- with the ability to cook, hold, chill and display fresh and packaged food in volume… that's where we're headed," he said.

Herman Jakubowski, owner and founder of Refcon, added, "Henny Penny is a proud name known around the world for the highest standards of product performance and customer attention in the foodservice equipment business." As part of the Henny Penny organization, he said his company will be able to rely on greater resources and infrastructure to go to market more efficiently with innovative designs.

Refcon will continue its operations and service for its own customers from its Norwood, N.J. location under the Refcon company name. At the same time, Refcon products and design expertise will be offered as components to total solutions for Henny Penny commercial and institutional foodservice customers worldwide.
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