Fall 2008

New England processor’s success comes down to hard work and the right equipment

Don’t let the size of the North Country Smokehouse fool you.  For a relatively small meat processing plant, there’s a lot of big flavor coming out of its four walls.  The Claremont, New Hampshire-based company prides itself on producing the highest quality meats.  And customers seeking these quality meats have kept this plant plenty busy.

What originally began as a mail order company has transformed itself in recent years into a niche market distributor.  As the business has grown, so has its inventory of VC999 equipment.  A VC999 customer for more than 20 years, North Country Smokehouse currently owns two Rollstock machines, one chamber machine, a bagger and a shrink tank.  Owner Mike Satzow believes investing in the right equipment is one of many reasons for the company’s success.   

“We are constantly reinvesting in the newest technology, especially the technology from VC999,” said Satzow.  “We feel that our commitment to technology, combined with the highest quality raw materials and highly-skilled and committed employees is what has made our products so popular.”   

Thinking outside the box has also helped set North Country Smokehouse apart from its competitors.  Rather than just selling themselves as a meat business, the company prefers to position themselves as a resource for recipes and information. 

“Somebody can always sell a product for a half-cent less than you,” explained Satzow.  “But where does it end?  And what must you sacrifice to compete in that arena?  You’ve got to find other ways to be competitive.”

His immediate goal for the future is to continue refining what they are currently doing.  Not one to rest on his accomplishments, Satzow and the team at North Country Smokehouse are constantly pursuing new ideas and looking for suggestions on how to do things better.

“I may be a veteran in the meat processing business, but I like to approach each day with a novice attitude,” said Satzow.

He believes this attitude will keep him asking questions, pursuing more efficient systems, questioning the status quo, and most importantly, making the best-tasting products that customers have come to love.