Birko, a leader in providing food safety solutions for the protein, brew, further processing and produce industries, marks a company milestone and celebrates its 65^th anniversary.

Birko was founded in the garage of Ward and Florence Smith in 1953 as a chemical supplier to beef processing companies. Over the years, Birko has expanded into different food and beverage markets and moved into its current Henderson, Colo. headquarters which houses Birko’s research lab, chemical manufacturing, warehouse and corporate offices. In 2011 Birko acquired the Olathe, Kansas-based equipment manufacturing company, Chad Equipment, to provide more integrated food safety solutions.

Now, Birko offers more than 400 chemical products and a wide selection of innovative cleaning and sanitation equipment. Birko supplies 90 percent of the top 10 U.S. beef processers, more than 60 percent of the top 100 U.S. protein companies, and 25 percent of the Great American Beer Festival medal-winning breweries. Customers also include many other top food and beverage manufacturers.

Birko remains a family-owned and operated company; the Smith’s granddaughter, Kelly Green, serves as the company’s president, chairman of the board and third-generation owner.

“Every day I come into work proud to carry on my grandparent’s legacy and their vision to be the leader in food safety solutions,” said Green. “I’m proud of how we’ve innovated over the years to become a trusted partner to all types of food and beverage companies. It wouldn’t be possible without the entire Birko family who is passionate about protecting the food chain and delivering the highest level of service to our customers. We’ve been protecting the food chain for over three generations, and we’ll be doing it for many more.”

More information about Birko can be found at www.birkocorp.com.