Brooklyn Park, Minn. — Nilfisk, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional cleaning equipment, has formed a strategic partnership with specialized robotics company Blue Ocean Robotics. The partnership is designed to complement Nilfisk’s existing partnerships in the robotics field and accelerate its development of autonomous cleaning equipment, a product category that is expected to comprise up to 10% of the company’s revenue within the next 5 to 7 years.
News
Cincinnati — Katie Wolfram, president of the Central division of The Kroger Co., will retire on November 4, 2017 after 38 years of service. Pam Matthews, currently the QFC division president, has been promoted to succeed her. Suzy Monford will join the company to serve as president of the QFC division.
Raleigh, N.C. — Construction manager Williams Company Southeast will break ground this month for the new Wegmans-anchored Midtown East retail center near downtown Raleigh, N.C., under a contract exceeding $20 million. Regency Centers based in Jacksonville, Fla., is developing the project in partnership with ITB Holdings LLC of Chapel Hill, N.C.
Wichita, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has named Randy Simon as its next CEO & president. He will lead the company he co-founded more than 15 years ago with his brother Bill, father Freddy and business partner Scott Redler. He rejoins the company from Panera.
Oscoda, Mich. — Protect-All Flooring has launched its newly updated website, accessible at www.protect-allflooring.com. The complete overhaul features a variety of design and organizational updates that aim to enhance overall user experience and efficiency.
Dallas — Nestlé® Toll House® Café by Chip® has hired Rudy Frederico as vice president of franchise development. Frederico, a 27-year franchising veteran, will be responsible for leading the growth and market expansion for the brand’s franchise partners across the globe. He joins the company from Red Mango.