About Us
Background
The business was founded in 1953 by Ron Hooton and set up in the small village of North Owersby near Market Rasen to provide blacksmith and engineering services to the local surrounding farmers.
With the growth of the frozen pea business, Hooton's developed a range of machinery to mechanise the processing of peas.
This led to the development of other machinery to process other vegetable crops such cauliflowers, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, leeks, onions and carrots.
In 1987 Ron Hooton retired selling the business to Vestry holdings which were part of a group of companies.
This group consisted of a precision machining workshop (JKF), a large design office and fitting shop for packaging machinery (Gainsborough Craftsman), Hooton's
Brief summary of business
Hooton's main business is the refurbishment of vegetable food processing lines e.g. frozen peas processing for major food processors. Hooton' s main strength lies in its in house design capability and ability to undertake bespoke manufacturing work. This in turn relies on specialist manufacturing skills relating to the food processing industry e.g., ability to weld stainless steel and other specialist metals to food processing standards.
- Refurbishment of food processing lines (either in part or in full)
- Buying and selling of second hand food processing equipment
- Removal and installation of equipment
- Supply of specialist food processing equipment
Hooton's acts as UK agent for a number of food equipment manufacturers and has in particular built a close relationship with Jorgensen a/s of Denmark, a major food machinery manufacturer.
By acting as agent, Hooton's can offer food processing companies such as Christian Salvesen, Birds Eye, R.V.P. etc the comfort of having a major machinery manufacturer to supply the main machinery.
This allows Hooton's to concentrate on the installation of the required machinery and the manufacture of any additional support structures and transfer and connecting chutes.
Hooton also retains the ability to manufacture bespoke and non-standard equipment in house.
With this partnership, Jorgensen and Hooton's have been able to win refurbishment contracts from Christian Salvesen and Birds Eye.
| WATERJET CUTTING | 0 to 13 mm BY 3M GUILLOTINE | |
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