Fortifi Food Processing Solutions has completed its acquisition of I.J. White Systems, a company that designs and manufactures specialised spiral systems for cooling, freezing and conveying food products.
I.J. White serves bakery, dairy, prepared foods, protein, seafood and other food-production sectors. Its portfolio includes proofing, hot and hold, pouch and hydro-chilling, in-pan cooling, and integrated cleaning and sanitation solutions. The acquisition reflects broader food manufacturing trends, including growing demand for efficient, flexible and hygienic production equipment.
“I.J. White brings proven spiral cooling and freezing technologies to Fortifi and strengthens how we serve food processors,” said Massimo Bizzi, chief executive officer of Fortifi. “By combining IJW’s expertise with our existing capabilities, we can provide more complete solutions for customers in bakery, prepared foods and other markets. We look forward to welcoming the IJW team and building on the company’s strong record of practical engineering and responsive customer service.”
Irving John White established the business in lower Manhattan in 1919, initially operating as a reseller and manufacturers’ representative. The company moved into the design and manufacture of vertical processing equipment in 1965, establishing the foundation for its current operations. After three generations of White family ownership, most recently led by Peter White, I.J. White continues to develop and build its systems in Farmingdale, New York.
The company’s Ultra Series Systems combine refrigeration, heating, hydrothermal and steam technologies. This integrated approach supports precise and energy-conscious heat transfer across a range from +210°F to -40°F, aligning with advances in food processing technology and the wider focus on food and drink sustainability.
“After a century of family leadership, I am confident in our company’s future as part of Fortifi Food Processing Solutions,” said Peter White, president and chief executive officer of I.J. White. “Fortifi shares our commitment to understanding customers’ needs and developing products that deliver practical, lasting value.”
The transaction strengthens Fortifi’s thermal-processing offering and substantially expands its bakery capabilities. As frozen bakery formats gain momentum, processors can manufacture products at central facilities, distribute them over greater distances and complete final preparation closer to customers. This model opens new markets while supporting specialty and preservative-free product lines, key developments within food distribution trends and food and drink consumer trends.
“Demand for specialty bakery and diverse ready-to-eat products is increasing the need for reliable cooling, freezing and product-handling systems,” said Mark Dowdle, executive vice president of strategy and business development for Fortifi. “I.J. White has built a strong North American business around that need, with a substantial installed base and long-standing customer relationships. Additionally, Fortifi’s broad commercial presence and in-region service capabilities give us a clear path to bring IJW’s solutions to more processors in Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.”
The acquisition also positions the combined business to respond to evolving food and drink industry innovation, food and drink packaging requirements, food and drink marketing strategies and food and drink regulations across international markets.
I.J. White employees will become participants in Fortifi’s broad-based ownership programme. The initiative enables employees throughout the organisation to share in the potential benefits associated with equity ownership.