What Allpax does

Allpax Products LLC, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, designs and manufactures batch retort sterilization equipment and automated retort room material handling systems for the food, pet food, beverage, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. The company operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ProMach within the ProMach Global Sterilization Group, alongside sister brands Stock America, Ferlo, and Stock Germany (formerly DFT Technology GmbH, acquired 2025). Allpax's core technology platform encompasses production-scale retorts using saturated steam, water spray, water immersion, steam-air, and proprietary agitation methods including SHAKA reciprocating agitation (operating at 3Hz with up to 90% process time reduction), Gentle Motion (10-60% reduction), and ImmersaFlow water immersion (developed with Clemson University). The company is the only North American retort manufacturer that designs, manufactures, and fully supports all equipment comprising an Automated Batch Retort System (ABRS), including retorts, robotic loaders/unloaders, conveyors, basket tracking, and proprietary control software.

Allpax's product architecture follows a platform-plus-modules structure: production retorts (1300mm–1800mm diameter) form the hardware core, complemented by R&D and pilot-scale retorts (2402, 3802, 5202 multimode series plus Versatort), a comprehensive retort room automation suite, and a proprietary software platform (AllView HMI, AllSet, Challenger validation, AllTrack basket tracking, Maintainer, Digital Chart Recorder, Pressure Profiler, Mobile HMI) built on Allen Bradley/Rockwell Automation hardware and designed to meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11, NFPA Bulletin 43L, and USDA validation requirements. The company monetizes primarily through custom-quoted industrial equipment sales, multi-year service contracts, aftermarket parts, and recurring software subscriptions, with direct enterprise field sales covering North America (USA and Canada) and global distribution through the ProMach Sterilization Group network.

The business serves a diversified customer base across primary verticals including low-acid canned food manufacturers, pet food producers, RTD beverage processors, and emerging applications in mushroom substrate sterilization and pharmaceutical thermal processing. Named enterprise customers include Hormel Foods, Crider Foods, Westrock Coffee, Bev-Hub, O-At-Ka Milk Products, and National Food Lab, with research partnerships including Clemson University's Cryovac Lab and TechniCAL thermal process authority. Allpax runs a dedicated national/strategic accounts sales team, inside sales support, 24/7 afterhours emergency service, and participates in major industry trade shows including Pack Expo International.

Name

Allpax

Legal name

Allpax Products LLC

Website

https://allpax.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Allpax designs and manufactures batch retort sterilization equipment and automated retort room systems for food, pet food, beverage, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, operating as a subsidiary within ProMach's Global Sterilization Group and serving as the only North American ABRS integrator.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Food Sterilization Equipment

NAICS

Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (3334)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)

akta.pro primary industry

Aseptic & Retort Packaging (Shelf-Stable) (IMALAHAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Shelf-Stable Aseptic & Retort-Pouch Foods Manufacturing (AFAKACAL), Shelf-stable ready meals & retort pouches manufacturing (AFAKAHAC)

Keywords

• Batch retort systems
• Food sterilization equipment
• Retort room automation
• Thermal processing machinery
• Commercial autoclave systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Covington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Production Retort Equipment Sales: Sale of industrial retort sterilization machines including saturated steam retorts, water spray retorts, water immersion retorts, steam-air retorts, and specialty retorts. Equipment ranges from R&D/pilot scale to full production capacity systems with multiple basket configurations.
2. Retort Room Automation Systems: Complete automated batch retort systems (ABRS) including material handling equipment, conveyor systems, robotic loaders/unloaders, basket delivery systems, and integrated control software.
3. Software and Controls: Proprietary software platforms including AllView HMI, Monitor control system, Challenger validation software, Maintainer maintenance tracking, basket tracking systems, and digital chart recorders.
4. Aftermarket Parts and Service: Replacement parts, remote support services, field service contracts, thermal processing services, equipment validation, and training. 24/7 emergency support available.
5. Retort Accessories: Metal product trays, custom injected molded trays, retort baskets and carts, basket tippers, and container handling accessories.
6. Sustainability Systems: Steam heat recapture systems and water recovery systems for energy efficiency and environmental compliance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Allpax designs, manufactures, and supports industrial batch retort sterilization systems and fully integrated retort room automation solutions for commercial food, pet food, beverage, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The portfolio spans production-scale retorts (saturated steam, water immersion, water spray, steam-air, SHAKA reciprocating agitation, Gentle Motion, ImmersaFlow, Dual-Mode), R&D and pilot-scale retorts, complete Automated Batch Retort Systems (ABRS) with material handling, proprietary control software and basket tracking, and sustainability/energy recovery equipment.

Product overview

Allpax is a manufacturer of retort processing and sterilization machinery and automation solutions for food, pet food, beverage, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The company offers a platform-plus-modules architecture built around its core production retorts and R&D retorts, complemented by comprehensive retort room automation systems and a broad suite of proprietary control software. The production retort portfolio includes saturated steam retorts, water immersion retorts (rotary), water spray retorts with overpressure (static and rotary), steam-air retorts, SHAKA™ reciprocating agitation retorts, Gentle-Motion retorts, ImmersaFlow® immersion retorts, and Dual-Mode retorts. R&D capabilities span the 2402, 3802, and 5202 multimode series plus the Versatort pilot-scale system. Retort room automation includes container handling systems, delivery systems, and full Automated Batch Retort Systems (ABRS). The software suite encompasses AllView HMI controls, AllSet host software, Challenger validation, AllCheck validation services, AllTrack/AllTrax basket tracking, Maintainer maintenance management, Digital Chart Recorder, Pressure Profiler, and Mobile HMI. Sustainability offerings include Steam Heat Recapture and Water Recovery Systems. Accessories include trays, baskets, carts, and basket tippers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ProMach Global Sterilization Group: A collective of sterilization brands including Allpax, Stock America, Ferlo, and Stock Germany, offering complete range of retort sterilization and material handling systems for consumer products manufacturers globally.

Products and services

• Production Retorts A comprehensive line of production retort machines for commercial sterilization of shelf-stable foods, including saturated steam retorts, water immersion retorts, water spray retorts, steam-air retorts, and agitation retorts. Designed to optimize throughput and ensure even temperature distribution across various container types for food, pet food, beverage, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
• Steam-Air Retorts Severe-duty production capacity steam-air sterilization retorts used to process pouches, trays, and bottles. Feature heavy-duty door-mounted fan circulation and high-volume water spray cooling with all stainless steel construction.
• Steam Retorts for Canning and Autoclave Food Processing Saturated steam retorts and lab autoclaves designed to handle a wide variety of products from canned goods to raw items, with immersion and spray cooling options and precise pressure control for flexible autoclave food processing needs.
• Rotary Water Immersion Retorts Meticulously designed water immersion rotating retorts for processing trays, jars, bottles, and cans. Water immersion processing is extremely efficient for heat-sensitive products like milk-based drinks and soups with rotational processing providing better product quality and process efficiency.
• SHAKA Production Retorts High-efficiency production retorts providing reciprocating agitation at frequencies up to 3Hz (360 six-inch strokes per minute) for rapid heat transfer with high-viscosity products. Process time reduction up to 90% over static processes in both heating and cooling.
• Static Water Spray Retorts with Overpressure Severe-duty overpressure spray retorts for processing pouches, trays, and bottles using high-volume pump with strategically located spray nozzles providing complete load coverage and even temperature distribution.
• Gentle-Motion Water Spray Retorts with Overpressure Production retorts providing full production capacity with the ability to shake loads for agitation benefits in pouches and semi-rigid trays. Agitation capability ranges from 5 to 60 six-inch strokes per minute with variable frequency motor control for recipe flexibility.
• Rotary Water Spray Retorts with Overpressure 1600mm diameter 4-basket rotary water spray overpressure retorts designed to efficiently process products in rigid, semi-rigid and flexible containers with end-over-end agitation during cooking and cooling phases.
• ImmersaFlow Retorts Innovative batch-type commercial sterilization technology using a new static water immersion process that confines flow of water such that its only path is through the load, achieving 4 to 6 minute Come Up Times with as little as 2°F spread between geometric center and perimeter.
• Dual-Mode Retorts Versatile retort platform combining saturated steam and water spray capabilities in one system, handling the work of multiple lines for optimized retorting in food processing.
• Vacuum-Cooled Fresh Product Cookers Specialized retort application for producers of ready-to-eat refrigerated products providing efficient thermal process (cook) followed by vacuum cooling step that brings products to near-freezing temperatures. Available in diameters from 1300mm to 1800mm.
• Substrate Sterilizers Specialized retorts designed for sterilizing growth media used in fungi production (mycelium and sporocarp). Features saturated steam sterilization process and overpressure cooling to prevent container damage, available in various sizes.
• R&D Retorts Versatile line of research and development, pilot-scale, and laboratory retorts that replicate all batch and continuous production retort processes including multimode, shaka, and gentle motion agitation types.
• Retort Room Automation Complete automation solutions for retort rooms including custom material/container handling, container handling systems (loaders, unloaders), retort delivery systems, and robotic solutions for automated batch processing.
• Automated Batch Retort Systems (ABRS) Fully automated and completely integrated batch sterilization systems that include package loading/unloading equipment, multiple batch retorts, retort delivery system, and control system for continuous flow of product. Allpax is the only retort manufacturer in North America that designs, manufactures, and fully supports all equipment comprising an ABRS.
• Allpax Software and Hardware Suite Comprehensive suite of control software and hardware for retort room automation including AllView HMI operator interface, AllSet host package, Challenger validation software, AllCheck equipment validation, basket tracking systems, Maintainer maintenance software, Digital Chart Recorder, and Mobile HMI, built on Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation industrial controls.
• Steam Heat Recapture System Technology that captures vented steam from saturated steam retorts and converts it into free hot water for plant operations, increasing sustainability and facilitating LEED certification initiatives.
• Water Recovery Systems Systems that capture water discharged from retorts during all stages of the cycle for recycling, reducing water consumption by up to 100% and supporting ISO 50001 energy management systems.
• Retort Baskets and Carts Custom manufactured baskets and carts of all shapes and sizes in stainless steel, carbon steel, or hot-dipped galvanized steel. Feature laser cut components, low friction rollers, and positive basket locking for automated or manual use.
• Custom Injected Molded Trays High-temperature retort-able product trays for pouches, bowls, and TV-dinner style trays. Available in custom designs or in-stock molds for faster turnaround with lower cost.
• Metal Product Trays Heavy-duty product trays designed to handle weight loads with laser and CNC cut parts, interlocking layers, robotic welding, and compatibility with automated equipment through precision design.

Quantifiable outcome

• SHAKA retort process time reduction up to 90% over static processes
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• TechniCALcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with TechniCAL, the premier recognized thermal process authority organization serving food processors of Low Acid Canned Foods (LACF) and Acidified Foods since 1972. TechniCAL provides heat penetration testing, process design using General Method, Ball Formula, or mathematical modeling, FDA/USDA compliant documentation, and deviation analysis. Partnership provides customers access to recognized thermal process authority for regulatory compliance.
• Clemson UniversityflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Clemson University's Cryovac Lab on ImmersaFlow technology. Teams introduced the innovative ImmersaFlow batch-type commercial sterilization technology through joint research and development. Published research on new and innovative ImmersaFlow process capabilities.
• ProMach Global Sterilization GroupflagshipOthersAllpax is part of ProMach Global Sterilization Group along with Stock America, Ferlo, and Stock Germany (formerly DFT Technology GmbH). Group manufactures complete range of retort sterilization and material handling systems supporting consumer goods manufacturers globally. Offers solutions from laboratory to production scale, supporting all container formats including pouches, fragile containers, microwavable trays, and paperboard.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Hiperbaric: World leader in industrial high-pressure processing (HPP) equipment for food preservation. Not a direct competitor but an adjacent technology whose adoption could shift food manufacturer capex away from batch retort systems.

Broad incumbents

• JBT Corporation: Diversified food processing and air transport equipment manufacturer with sterilization, cooking, and chilling product lines serving meat, seafood, and prepared foods. Broad incumbent competing in adjacent thermal processing categories but not specialized in retort sterilization.
• Alfa Laval: Global supplier of heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling equipment with a significant food and water processing business. Comparable as a broad incumbent providing process equipment to food manufacturers, including thermal processing.
• GEA Group: Large global manufacturer of food processing equipment including separators, homogenizers, and thermal processing systems. Competes with Allpax in serving large food manufacturers but operates across a much broader portfolio beyond sterilization.
• Tetra Pak: Global leader in food processing and packaging equipment, with aseptic and thermal processing solutions. Comparable as a broad incumbent in food sterilization and packaging equipment, though differentiated by its aseptic carton focus.

Direct peers

• Ferlo (by ProMach): Sister brand under ProMach Global Sterilization Group, serving as the global specialist for autoclave sterilization outside North America. Directly comparable in product category and technology, differing mainly by geography.
• Stock Germany (formerly DFT Technology GmbH): Recently acquired by ProMach and rebranded as Stock Germany, specializing in rotary water immersion sterilization technology. Directly comparable retort equipment maker with global reach, now part of the same parent group as Allpax.
• Stock America: Sister company under ProMach Global Sterilization Group manufacturing retort sterilization equipment for the North American market. Operates in the same product category as Allpax with overlapping customer base, making it the closest comparable brand within the group.
• Surdry: Spanish manufacturer of industrial retort sterilizers and autoclaves for food and beverage applications. Closest Europe-based direct competitor to Allpax with comparable static and rotary retort product lines.

Emerging players

• Lyco Manufacturing: US-based manufacturer of commercial cooking, cooling, and blanching equipment for food processors. Emerging peer with partial overlap in thermal food processing equipment, particularly for prepared and vegetable-based products.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/allpax

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Allpax