Allpax supplies high-capacity retorts toDOD

Allpax Products, a division of Pro Mach, supplied the Department of
Defense (DOD) with five new Gentle Motion retorts - the first high-capacity,
high-throughput retort specifically designed for pouches and semi-rigid trays. The
five retorts will be used to process up to 250,000 multi-serving entrees and side
dishes per month for troops on field deployment.

"Our retorts will mean tastier food for the troops," says Greg Jacob, Allpax general
manager. "Allpax also saved the military money. Projects like this one bring home
the fact that equipment suppliers have the potential to make things better for
customers and ultimately for consumers, who in this case are our fighting men and
women."

Allpax demonstrated to the DOD that, depending on the type of entree packaged in
the 6.6-lb multi-serving trays, Gentle Motion retorts can reduce processing
time by 15 to 42 percent over static retorts. Faster processing time, in both heating
and cooling of entrees and side dishes, offered the DOD a number of advantages.
Taste, texture, and visual appeal of shelf-stable food improve with the Gentle
Motion retort's shorter processing time. These improvements result from the
retort's capability to prevent overcooking or scorching food. Also, the retort's
reciprocating motion and even heat distribution along the major surfaces of
multi-serve trays aids in the overall hydration of starches. The Allpax retorts help
create more than 15 entrees and side dishes for the DOD, including 6.6-lb trays
of chicken stir fry, Burgundy beef stew, barbecue pulled pork, spaghetti with
meatballs, turkey tetrazzini and Santa Fe style rice and beans. All meals remain
shelf stable for 36 months.

In addition to producing higher quality meals for troops on field deployment, the
high-capacity, high-throughput Gentle Motion retort offered higher speed. The DOD
purchased five retorts rather than six, which was the original number of retorts
estimated when the project went out for bid. With five Gentle Motion units, the
DOD meets its capacity goal of processing 250,000 multi-serving entrees and side
dishes per month. One less retort meant a significant cost savings.

Allpax supervisory, control, and maintenance software provides operators and
managers at the co-packing facility where the retorts will be used with a host of
tools to ensure consistent speed and quality. Internet connectivity through a secure
Virtual Private Network (VPN) gives DOD personnel a window into each retort's
production. This will aid DOD personnel in program management and logistics.