In the early 1950's, a Creston, Iowa restaurant operator developed and patented a mechanical potato peeler. The peeler's purpose was to ease the work involved in peeling vegetables for the restaurant business.

In 1954, Veg-A-Peel Company was incorporated when three interests merged: the restaurant operator with his peeler, local investors, and the potato chip manufacturers with their need for a better mechanical means for peeling large quantities of potatoes. The original peeler was expanded for use in the potato chip industry. Soon after the Model 96 Peeler, capable of peeling 2 1/2 tons of potatoes per hour continuously, became a reality. It then became obvious a need existed for other machinery to compliment the peeler. Veg-A-Peel designed and began to manufacture hoppers, elevators, and conveying systems.

Veg-A-Peel's continued growth in the 50's and 60's fostered a company name change to better describe our capabilities; in 1964 we became Vanmark Corporation. This growth brought several additions to our original building and then the need for a totally new facility. In 1979 we completed construction of a 58,000 sq. ft. building in the Creston Industrial Park. In 1988 we added a 3,400 sq. ft. addition to the corporate headquarters.

In July of 2007 the Grote Company purchased the manufacturing assets of Vanmark Corporation to form Vanmark Equipment LLC. To read a press release click here.

In the 21st century, Vanmark Equipment continues to be the industry leader in innovation, design and manufacture of peelers for the food industry, as well as a wide range of other food processing equipment, parts and services.

Consistent with our vision of Vanmark's future, we also manufacture unique equipment for other industries which have a need to handle, scrub, wash, treat, size, peel, abrade, texture, or polish their products. 

An excellent example of applying our expertise in the food industry to work elsewhere is in the golf ball industry where we have been able to dramatically reduce manufacturing time and improve product quality. 

We would be pleased to share with you our experiences in overcoming some very tough challenges our customers have posed over the years.  We invite you to contact our home office, one of our regional sales offices, or any of our many representatives located throughout the United States and in several foreign countries to discuss your needs.

Vanmark Equipment exports worldwide and manufactures under license as required.