Hess Meat Machines (HMM) was founded by Earl Hess in 1946.

Earl started selling slicers and scales for Berkel, Inc. in 1946. Back then, he sold a slicer in place of a carving knife, and an electric band saw to replace a cleaver. Customers saved up to buy their equipment by putting fifty cents a day in a piggy bank. Earl showed up every week or so in his trademark suit and bow tie to pick up their payments. There was a mom and pop confectionary on every corner and Earl knew them all.

Earl started Hess Meat Machines at home with a workshop in his garage and an army green VW Van for deliveries. By 1961 he officially opened the doors at 6919 Gravois as a warehouse to store equipment. A few years later, Earl moved the business just up the road to 5617 Gravois, providing a large warehouse of used equipment, a showroom of new equipment, and a fully-equipped service department. 

TODAY, sons Richard Hess and David Hess
have taken the business to new heights!

Hess Meat Machines is now located at 5640 Gravois, in a newly renovated 14,000 square foot building with a warehouse for used equipment, a top trained sales and service staff, a fully equipped service department, and a large front showroom of new equipment. Hess Meat Machines is a member of the American Association of Meat Processors the Illinois Association of Meat Processors the Missouri Association of Meat Processors and the Missouri Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association.

Dick Hess joined the company as a service technician in 1972. Since then, Dick has both managed the service department and worked as a salesman. Upon Earl's retirement in 1987, Dick assumed the position of president of the company.

Dave Hess joined HMM in 1988 as sales manager and is now vice president of the company. Dave has been successful in gaining a majority market share in retail scales in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Through his efforts, retail counter scales have become a large part of the company business.

CURRENT STAFF

LOCATION

Visit our new location just 1/2 block south of the old location at 5640 Gravois Rd. in St. Louis, Missouri.

Hess Meat Machines is located just 10 minutes from Highways 44 and 55, and 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis.

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