At Univex, quality is key on the assembly floor. For Jon Simms and the Univex Assembly team, every piece of equipment is built with purpose, precision, and pride.

Jon leads the department responsible for assembling all Univex equipment proudly made in the USA. From Prep Mates and mixers to specialty equipment, the Assembly team ensures each unit is built to last, perform reliably, and meet Univex’s high quality standards.

Built to Last, Built Right

“The main function of our department is to assemble equipment in a way that ensures it’s built to last,” Jon says.

That focus on quality drives every step of the assembly process. The team’s goal is simple: deliver durable, dependable foodservice equipment that performs in the field with minimal service issues. Every completed unit reflects the team’s craftsmanship and attention to detail.

A Collaborative Assembly Team

The Univex Assembly Department is a close-knit, collaborative group that works efficiently and cohesively. Prep Mates are a team favorite due to their straightforward design and fast build time, while mixers offer a more complex, hands-on assembly process the team enjoys.

That collaboration extends beyond the build itself. The team celebrates major production milestones together and takes pride in consistently meeting demanding schedules — all without sacrificing quality.

Continuous Improvement on the Shop Floor

Innovation in the Assembly Department is driven by real-world experience. Jon and his team are always looking for ways to improve assembly processes, reduce build time, and make equipment easier to service.

One example is the MG22, where the team identified a wiring access issue during assembly. By adding a discreet access point to the housing, technicians can now quickly inspect wiring without a full teardown — saving time for assembly, service technicians, and customers.

These small but impactful improvements help reduce service time, lower long-term costs, and improve the overall ownership experience.

Leadership Through Teamwork

Jon’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration and open feedback. Before implementing changes, he gathers input from the team to ensure improvements benefit both production and long-term serviceability.

“If it makes their day easier, it makes everyone’s day easier,” Jon explains.

That approach has helped build a positive, dependable team culture — one where challenges are met with solutions and pride in the final product.

What’s Next for Univex Assembly

Looking ahead, the Assembly team is preparing for new  orders, a peanut butter machine branded under the Univex name, and an upcoming new category project that will bring fresh learning opportunities to the department.

No matter the project, Jon and his team remain focused on what matters most: building reliable, high-quality foodservice equipment that customers can trust.