CTM ACQUIRES JFM TOMATO HARVESTER PRODUCT LINE

California Tomato Machinery (CTM) recently acquired the Johnson Tomato Harvester Product Line from one of the nation's largest tomato harvester manufacturers, Johnson Farm Machinery (JFM) of Woodland, Calif.

In addition to the CTM tomato harvesters, CTM's dealer company, Westside Equipment Co., located in Crows Landing, Calif., will offer Johnson's parts, service and sales of the new harvesters as well as refurbishment for all Johnson tomato harvesters through its three California operating locations in Woodland, Crows Landing and Firebaugh. CTM will immediately begin to produce both the CTM and JFM machines in Fresno.

Mark Perez, CTM company president, said: "With the acquisition of the Johnson tomato harvester product line, we feel confident of our ability to offer high quality parts and service to all tomato harvester customers. We're excited about the future of the processing tomato industry and look forward to utilizing available technology, as well as pioneering improvements to economically improve our customer's production efficiency."

Perez added: "JFM is a first-class company. Our negotiations and the transition process have been pleasurable and positive. Union Bank of California's support, enthusiasm and cooperation has also largely contributed to the acquisition's success."

About CTM
Over the years, CTM research and development has created widespread enthusiasm within the tomato industry. Its enhanced Cull Recovery System, Live Assist Header and other product improvements incorporated into their existing product line have increased harvesting proficiencies and the customers' bottom line.

CTM was established in 1999 by six entrepreneurs - John Perez, Michael Perez, Dan Perez Jr., Mark Perez, Ray Perez and Dan Rodrick - from the fertile farming region of the Central Valley of California who purchased the world-renowned FMC Tomato Harvester division. These six individuals form the core leadership group of the company with decades of experience in farming, equipment sales and repair, agriculture business, and most importantly, customer service. The company is proud of its farming and processing heritage that spans three generations, as well as the success the group has had in tomato harvester, parts, sales, repair and service sectors. As a company that knows and grows tomatoes, CTM has its finger on the pulse of the global tomato economy.

Based in the United States, CTM follows the worldwide presence of its predecessor company, FMC, with many of its products found in Australia, Italy, Israel and Mexico. As the global tomato industry changes, CTM's already expanding its reach by exploring new territories all over the world.