IIAR
International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration
Experts in the Food PROCESSING AND Packaging Industry
Since 1988, Covert Engineers, Inc.™ (CEI™) has specialized in engineering services to the food processing and packaging industry. We do 100% of our yearly business in the food industry and complete small to very large projects involving almost every type of food product consumed in North America. In addition to process and packaging system designs, we provide mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration and energy recovery design customized for food processes. Our approach to process engineering includes project management, strict document control procedures and detailed, clear P&ID’s to define the core process design.
Our experienced engineers worked in food processing companies like yours before joining CEI™, giving us the in-depth knowledge, background and expertise needed to understand what it takes to execute complex projects in the food processing and packaging industry.
How it All Started
Covert Engineering was established in the fall of 1988 when its founder, Darrell Covert, contracted with a major East Coast food processor to provide the design, project and construction management for a significant expansion and upgrade of a snack food plant in Des Moines, Iowa.
This very successful project provided the momentum and the resources to gradually expand the business by adding engineers and technicians with various backgrounds in food processing. An important new addition came in September of 1991, when David Phelps joined CEI™ as a full partner. To reflect this, in October of 1992, CEI™ was incorporated under the new name of Covert Engineers, Inc.™ Rainer Greve became a partner in 2004 having joined CEI™ in 1992 and CEI™ established a presence in California with Gordon Follette joining the ranks as a resident engineer located in Modesto.
What has evolved over the years is a company comprised of a nucleus of select engineering personnel, all of whom are specialists in the food industry. Its members have worked together for many years in developing and implementing successful projects. This core group of Engineers and designers (CADD) provides a broad depth of experience and technical capability for expanding roles from consultation, to design, to overall management of large and small projects.