FPS and GEM Equipment unveil ‘VersaFry’ to target snack and appetiser market

FPS Food Process Solutions and its subsidiary, GEM Equipment of Oregon, have officially launched VersaFry, a collaborative frying innovation engineered to meet the soaring demand in the global snack and appetiser sectors.

The GEM VersaFry is designed specifically for precision frying of high-value products, including specialty potato items, poultry, seafood, assorted vegetables, and baked goods.

This launch marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the Canadian-based FPS and Oregon-based GEM, aiming to provide food processors with a comprehensive, end-to-end processing solution.

The VersaFry is built for extreme versatility, capable of handling a wide variety of product shapes, textures, and consistencies. To achieve this, the system utilises an adjustable infeed conveyor constructed with specialised PEEK and Teflon materials to ensure smooth product transfer and optimal batter setting, even under high oil temperatures. To maintain oil integrity and product quality over long production runs, the system features a dual crumb removal process consisting of a surface skimmer and a bottom return belt.

Hygienic maintenance and safety are central to the design, highlighted by a Hood Raise Screw Jack System that allows for full kettle access. This facilitates deep sanitation and significantly reduces operational downtime. Furthermore, an integrated recirculation pump maintains consistent oil levels and temperatures, which is critical for achieving uniform frying results and preventing fire hazards.

Jeffrey Chang, president of FPS Food Process Solutions, emphasised that the collaboration combines GEM’s deep engineering expertise with the expansive global service network of FPS. He noted that every fryer is built with robustness and longevity as top priorities, fulfilling the company’s mission to offer customers a one-stop shop for their food processing needs while ensuring the lowest total cost of ownership.

The launch comes during a period of rapid global expansion for FPS, which now employs over 1,000 professionals across 23 locations worldwide. By adding the VersaFry to its portfolio, FPS strengthens its foothold in the potato and prepared food industries, both of which are currently experiencing record growth and a demand for more sophisticated, hygienic frying technology.