Setting the Stage for a Successful Food Processing Equipment Partnership

At DC Norris North America, many of our most successful projects start before a piece of equipment is ever specified. That’s because what matters just as much as machinery is the process that leads to it; the conversations, the planning, and the partnership.

Whether you’re scaling a new soup line or launching an entirely new product, the decisions you make early on shape everything from throughput to long-term profitability. So, what should you know and prepare before contacting a food processing equipment partner? We sat down with President, Dick Smith and Vice President, Matt Klein to talk through it.

Start with the Process, Not the Equipment

You don’t need to come to the first call with a finalized spec sheet. What we really want to understand is what you’re making, how you’re making it, and how much you want to produce both now and in the future.

“Most of the time, clients come to us with a good idea of what they want,” says Dick Smith. “But where we add value is helping them see what’s possible. Maybe they ask about a kettle. We’ll talk through how to speed up the process, reduce cleaning time, or future-proof their investment.”

We ask questions like:

• What’s your daily and annual throughput target?
• What kind of utilities are available on-site (steam, electric, gas)?
• Do you plan to scale production in the next three to five years?
• How do you intend to add and handle ingredients?

Even if you’re early in the development stage, that’s okay. If someone comes to us with a product idea—like soup—they don’t need to have a perfect recipe,” says Matt Klein. “We just need a solid understanding of what it is, how it’s made, and what their production ambition is.”

Plan for Now and for What’s Next

One of the biggest mistakes we see at DC Norris North America? Planning equipment purchases based solely on today’s volume.

“We’re always thinking about scale,” says Klein. “If you’re starting at 1,000 lbs a day, that’s great, but where do you want to be in two or five years? We can design systems that allow you to grow without having to start over.”

This kind of future-ready design is part of every proposal we put together. Whether it’s modular components, line expansions, or automation-ready systems, our goal is to build flexibility into your operation from the start.

What Happens After the First Call?

Once we’ve had that initial discovery conversation and gathered the key information, we move quickly.

“If we’ve got a clear understanding of the scope, we can often provide a budget estimate during the call,” Smith explains. “Formal quotations typically go out within a few days. For more complex projects, it may take a week or two, but we never leave clients waiting.”

And what about site visits? They’re not always required upfront. Thanks to detailed discussions, plant drawings, and digital collaboration, most quoting can be done remotely. But when it’s time to move forward, we’re there.

“If we know the project is greenlit, that’s usually when we’ll go on site,” says Smith. “We’ll walk the floor, make sure everything physically fits, and answer final logistical questions.”

Why We Offer More Than Just DC Norris Equipment

DC Norris North America is more than just a supplier of DC Norris equipment. Our portfolio includes top-tier systems from BCH and other trusted manufacturers, selected based on experience, performance, and application fit.

“We don’t try to force a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Klein. “Different brands excel at different things. Our job is to understand your process and pull together the best solution, even if that means incorporating multiple manufacturers. Sometimes, we’ll source or recommend additional equipment that we don’t sell ourselves. That’s not unusual—it’s part of being a true partner.”

“We’ve got decades of experience across our team,” Smith adds. “If we’re recommending something, it’s because we’ve used it, seen it perform, and know it adds value.”

The Real Test: Reliability After the Sale

At the heart of all of this is one goal: reliability. And not just in the equipment, but in the partnership.

“Something will go wrong eventually, it’s just the nature of production,” says Klein. “What matters is how we respond. Whether it’s next-day parts, remote troubleshooting, or jumping on a plane, we’re built to support clients every step of the way.”

That reliability is reflected in repeat business. Many of our clients have partnered with us repeatedly for years, returning each time they expand or upgrade their lines.

“We’re not a distributor,” Smith concludes. “We’re a long-term partner. We don’t just drop off a piece of equipment and walk away. From trial kitchens to install, from quoting to service, we’re here to build systems that last.”

Thinking About Your Next Project? Let’s Talk.

Whether you’re launching a new product or rethinking an existing process, early conversations make all the difference. The DC Norris North America team is ready to listen, advise, and engineer a solution that works today and scales with you tomorrow.

Contact us to get started.

You can hear Matt Klein and Dick Smith discuss reliability as food processing equipment partners here: