Birko, a leader in providing food safety solutions to the protein industry, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Espy Technologies, Inc., of Marshfield, Mo. ETI specializes in providing ongoing servicing and upkeep of washing and pasteurizing cabinets manufactured by Chad Equipment LLC, Olathe, Kan., the equipment division of Birko.

Birko purchased all assets and proprietary intellectual property from ETI. Under the terms of the agreement, ETI will become part of the service division for Birko. ETI co-owners Tom Espy and Mitch Espy will become employees of Chad Equipment LLC.

"Espy is well known for its important expertise in servicing Chad's washing and pasteurizing cabinets, a critical part of keeping protein processing safe and pathogen free," said Mark Swanson, CEO of Birko.

Through Birko's environmentally-responsible chemicals for sanitation and processing, Chad's carcass washing and pasteurizing equipment, and now Espy's servicing capabilities, customers will further benefit from The Birko Advantage, a total integrated food safety solution of chemistry, equipment and technology.

ETI's Mitch Espy said, "We're really excited about this new venture with Birko and Chad.  Having all the resources - chemistry, equipment and servicing - under one brand name will make it easier for our customers. This will alleviate worry about breakdowns during shifts and give customers a higher degree of assurance regarding food safety."

He continued, "Offering the crucial service component complements Chad's success in manufacturing cabinets, as well as Birko's expertise in chemistry. And, we'll be able to grow, along with Birko and Chad."

ETI customers will continue to receive scheduled maintenance through the new service division, with additional technical support, troubleshooting, training, expanded chemical analysis, enhanced legal defensibility and food safety data.

According to Mike Gangel, president of Chad Equipment, LLC, "ETI services some of the biggest companies in the world and their own customers are well known for supplying top quality service to keep these critical food safety systems in optimal condition."