The largest independent provider of high pressure processing in North America is pleased to announce its acquisition of Hydrofresh Ltd. from Keller Logistics Group, Inc.
Delphos, OH: Universal Pure Holdings, LLC, the largest independent provider of high pressure processing and cold chain solutions for food & beverage customers in North America and portfolio company of Tilia Holdings, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Hydrofresh Ltd., an outsourced HPP and cold storage provider with a leading market presence in the Midwest, from Keller Logistics Group, Inc on May 31, 2022.
The transaction expands Universal Pure’s geographic reach in the Midwest, facilitating the delivery of higher levels of service and quality to its growing base of over 150 food and beverage customers. The combined company operates 20 HPP machines across its national, strategic facility footprint of seven locations, which makes it one of the largest users of HPP globally. With Universal Pure’s and Hydrofresh HPP’s partnership, the company’s footprint is located within a truck-day of all major food production hubs in the U.S., yielding an unmatched ability to move food & beverage products across the HPP supply chain.
Located in northwestern Ohio, Hydrofresh HPP was founded in 2018 by Keller Logistics Group and Don
Klausing to provide HPP, cold storage, and distribution services to food & beverage customers. Guided by
a sincere focus on customer service, the company has steadily increased its HPP capacity in its state-of-the-art facility and has made significant investments in the local community.
“We started with seven full-time employees and now have over 100 employees. Since 2018 we’ve installed a second machine to keep servicing our customers’ growing need for HPP. Both Hydrofresh HPP and Universal Pure are focused on helping food manufacturers provide high-quality products with clean labels that consumers are demanding today. The HPP technology also provides a longer shelf life and with that, less food waste. By joining the Universal Pure network, we’ll be able to expand our customers’ access to HPP services across the U.S.,” said Mr. Klausing, President of Hydrofresh HPP.
Mr. Klausing will retain his leadership role of Hydrofresh HPP, focusing on the growth of the combined
entity’s business.
Bryan Keller, CEO of Keller Logistics Group added, “The process of HPP was brought to my attention by the Mayor of Defiance, Ohio because he thought that Keller Logistics Group’s experience in warehousing and distribution provided the capabilities to bring HPP to northwestern Ohio. Since HPP is outside of Keller Logistics Group’s core focus of logistics, we feel that partnering with Universal, the market leading provider of HPP services, is better for the business and the Hydrofresh HPP team. Don and his team’s expertise have made Hydrofresh HPP a success. Now they will become part of a larger network allowing them to continue to serve their customers, expand their services, and provide quality jobs for the residents of Delphos, Ohio.”
Mayer Brown LLP served as legal advisors to Universal Pure and Twin Brook Capital Partners provided debt financing in support of the transaction.
Hydrofresh HPP provides custom high pressure processing services to the food and beverage industry,
utilizing proven technology that substantially improves the safety and extends the shelf life of packaged
products without chemical additives or preservatives. The company’s SQF certified facility in Delphos, OH
also offers cold storage capabilities. For more information, please visit www.hydrofreshhpp.com.
Universal Pure is the market leading provider of food safety solutions across the cold chain and is dedicated to helping ensure the safety and quality of food & beverage products. The company is largest independent provider of high pressure processing in North America. Universal Pure operates 18 HPP machines across a strategic facility network of locations in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Through its facility footprint, totaling 1.1 million square feet, Universal delivers an integrated solution and is a trusted partner in HPP, refrigerated and frozen storage, beverage bottling, kitting and assembly, tempering, and other value-added cold chain services. Learn more at www.universalpure.com.
Keller Logistics Group is an asset based 3PL dedicated to serving the transportation, warehousing, distribution and contract packaging needs of manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers across the U.S. The company’s suite of services provides efficient closed loop logistics solutions through one provider minimizing the additional costs associated with multiple logistics resource outsourcing. For more information, visit www.kellerlogistics.com.