VMI, Saint-Hilaire-de-Loulay, France, a designer and manufacturer of mixing systems for the baking and snack industries, announced the opening of its North American subsidiary, VMI America, L.L.C. The new entity will house a satellite office in Kansas City, near partner company Shick Esteve.

Terry Bartsch was named president and c.e.o. of VMI America.
Terry Bartsch was recently named president and chief executive officer to lead the new operation. Mr. Bartsch has been involved with the baking industry for more than 35 years, of which he spent more than two decades selling industrial mixing equipment. Most recently, Mr. Bartsch was vice-president and sales director for Shaffer Manufacturing, a Bundy Baking Solution, Urbana, Ohio.


“VMI looks forward to drawing on Terry’s experience and expertise to build a strong presence and serve its customers in the North American markets,” said Dominique Denoël, c.e.o. of VMI.

A leader in mixing technology, VMI’s offerings include two types of continuous mixing systems and automated linear transport systems, as well as horizontal, vertical and planetary mixers.

“The launch of VMI North America will develop better working relationships with customers in this region,” Mr. Bartsch said. “In addition to providing service in similar time zones as our customers, we will also maintain a local stock of critical spare parts and local service assistance.”

The company soon will open a testing facility for current and potential customers to run various product trials and factory acceptance tests.