Extrusion is a manufacturing process that pushes material—such as metal, plastic, rubber, or food—through a shaped opening to create continuous lengths or profiles, like pipes, sheets, or window frames. Investors care because extrusion affects how cheaply and consistently a company can make standard parts or products, influencing production speed, waste, quality and the ability to scale output, all of which can change costs, profit margins and competitiveness.
high pressure processingtechnical
High pressure processing (HPP) is a food and beverage preservation method that uses extremely high water pressure to inactivate bacteria and enzymes without heat, helping products stay fresh longer while retaining flavor and nutrients. For investors, HPP matters because it requires specialized equipment and alters production costs, packaging and shelf life—factors that can affect a manufacturer’s margins, regulatory compliance and appeal to health-conscious consumers.
twin-screwtechnical
A twin-screw machine uses two interlocking spirals (screws) that rotate together to move, mix, or compress liquids, pastes or gases; common examples are extruders, pumps and compressors. For investors, mention of "twin-screw" signals industrial equipment designed for higher throughput, better mixing or more precise control than single-screw designs—traits that can affect a manufacturer’s production capacity, product quality and operating costs, and therefore revenue and margins.
pathogensmedical
Pathogens are germs—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites—that can cause illness in people, animals, or plants. They matter to investors because outbreaks or persistent disease risks can disrupt workplaces, supply chains, consumer demand and trigger regulatory responses or costly recalls; thinking of pathogens like unwanted intruders helps: a single outbreak can force businesses to shut doors or pivot products, affecting revenues, costs and investment risk.
holistic nutritionmedical
Holistic nutrition is an approach to diet and wellness that looks at the whole person—diet, lifestyle, environment and habits—rather than focusing on single nutrients or symptoms. For investors, it matters because products, services and brands that promote whole-person wellness can drive consumer demand, shape regulation and affect market positioning, much like choosing a full-service car maintenance plan instead of replacing only one part.
high pressure processing (HPP)technical
High pressure processing (HPP) is a food preservation method that uses intense uniform pressure, rather than heat, to inactivate microbes while keeping taste, texture and nutrients closer to fresh — think of it as squeezing out safety without cooking the product. For investors it matters because HPP can extend shelf life, enable premium clean-label claims, affect production costs and capital spending, and influence regulatory approval and market positioning of packaged foods and beverages.
steam tunneltechnical
A steam tunnel is an underground passage that carries hot water or steam pipes used to heat buildings and power certain industrial systems; think of it as a hidden utility corridor like the wiring conduits under a house but for heat and steam. Investors care because these tunnels are critical infrastructure: leaks, failures, or required upgrades can cause costly repairs, safety liabilities, regulatory scrutiny, or service disruptions that affect operating costs and asset value.
thermal processingtechnical
Thermal processing is the controlled use of heat to change a product’s properties—killing microbes, removing moisture, or altering texture and stability—so the product is safe, consistent and storable. For investors it matters because the quality, cost and regulatory compliance of manufacturing often hinge on these heat-based steps; like cooking to make food safe and last longer, reliable thermal processing reduces recall and scale-up risk and can materially affect margins and supply reliability.
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Combined Brands Expand Capabilities; Unveil New Minimally Processed Pet Food Lines
KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Wenger and Extru-Tech, both global leaders in pet and human food extrusion processing solutions, will exhibit at Petfood Forum in Kansas City on April 27-29, 2026, at Booth #1614. This marks the first time both brands will come together in one booth for the industry’s largest gathering of pet food professionals in North America.
This union marks a new chapter as these trusted brands unite under JBT Marel to drive greater innovation and expand product offerings – all in pursuit of a shared goal to transform the future of pet food processing.
“The 2026 Petfood Forum is the physical realization of our mission to be 'Stronger Together’,” said Travis Moore, General Manager of Wenger and Extru-Tech. “We bring more than 90 years of Wenger and Extru-Tech extrusion and processing solutions expertise together with JBT Marel’s significant strengths in meat preparation, forming, high pressure processing, and steam tunnel gentle-cooking equipment to offer the most comprehensive pet food offerings in the industry. As a unified partner, we make pet food more sustainable, safe, and nutritious.”
The centerpiece of the exhibit is the recently launched Minimally Processed Pet Food Line solutions. This breakthrough system redefines traditional kibble, premium kibble, "un-kibble," and treats. It meets the growing demand for holistic nutrition, which focuses on natural, nutrient-dense, and highly digestible products. Attendees will see a complete, minimally processed line in action in a new virtual immersive space, giving them an end-to-end look at the process and equipment.
The line supports a diverse range of minimally processed categories, including gently cooked, air-dried, fresh, and baked applications. Key standouts at the booth will include:
PetFlex Extrusion: The most versatile twin-screw technology to date. Wenger’s PetFlex extruder allows processors to swap between traditional recipes and high-fresh-meat inclusions on the same hardware. This enables the production of personalized, allergy-friendly, and sustainable pet foods without the need for extensive hardware changes.
High Pressure Processing (HPP): JBT Marel’s HPP machines utilize ultra-high-pressure purified water to keep raw pet food free of pathogens and fresh longer.
Integrated Steam Tunnel: This thermal processing equipment uses steam tunnel technology for gentle cooking, leading to higher nutritional integrity and natural-looking chunks required for premium holistic diets.
Attendees are invited to visit the combined Wenger and Extru-Tech booth (#1614) and speak with business development managers, engineers and leadership from all brands.
About JBT Marel
JBT Marel Corporation (NYSE and Nasdaq Iceland: JBTM) is a leading global technology solutions provider to high-value segments of the food & beverage industry. JBT Marel’s unique solutions of integrated equipment, service, software, and application expertise enables customers to optimize food yield and efficiency, improve food safety and quality, and enhance uptime and proactive maintenance, all while reducing waste and resource use across the global food supply chain. JBT Marel operates more than 50 manufacturing and distribution facilities globally. For more information, please visit www.jbtmarel.com.
