Multivac Inc. formally announced the launch of a new business unit geared to the unique requirements of small and mid-sized food processors and packagers as well as food service operations throughout the United States. Multivac packaging specialists within the Direct Packaging Solutions (DPS) business unit will provide personalized consultation and expertise to these customers with dedicated support assigned to each account. The company has appointed Brett Cockrum to lead the new business unit.

Multivac’s DPS unit stocks small and mid-sized new, pre-owned and remanufactured packaging equipment at its facility in Kansas City, Mo., for express delivery anywhere in the U.S. Customers can also take advantage of the company’s package testing and application center to experiment with new packaging concepts with the assistance of Multivac experts.

“Multivac is known throughout our industry as a provider of solutions to some of the world’s largest and best-known food manufacturers, but we take the smaller and mid-sized market just as seriously,” says Jan Erik Kuhlmann, president/CEO, Multivac, Inc. “The creation of our DPS business unit is another step in providing these growing businesses with the expert consultation and support they need to build their brands and drive profitability through innovative, cost-effective packaging. With his years of experience in the food and equipment businesses, Brett Cockrum is well prepared to lead our DPS group on this mission. We are pleased to welcome him to the Multivac team.”

Cockrum comes to Multivac from Mepaco/Apache Stainless Equipment Corp., where he served as a national accounts manager. He has also served as sales manager at Baader North America and director of equipment manufacturing at Huhtamaki packaging.