Sanitary conveying equipment manufacturer PFI names new executive

Iowa-based sanitary conveying equipment manufacturer PFI has named a company and industry veteran its new division general manager.

Tom Vipond, general manager of PFI’s Algona facility since January 2022, will oversee all company locations and operations and report to Bob Grote, CEO of PFI parent company Grote Co.

“We’re truly excited to continue to work with Tom Vipond to grow PFI,” Grote said in a news release. “In his tenure with PFI, Tom has proven to be forward-thinking and bold, demonstrating a knack for understanding our customer’s needs and direction. His customer-centric focus promises to carry on our enduring commitment to each company we work with.”

Vipond has more than two decades of experience in the food industry, much of it with PFI when it was known as Kofab.

PFI, with locations in Algona and San Antonio, was acquired by Grote Co. in 2021.

“As part of the Grote family of brands, we at PFI look forward to working hand-in-hand to keep growing the business,” Vipond said. “As PFI heads into its next chapter, my focus is on our customers and building on our talented internal team.”