For over 100 years, Oliver M. Dean has adapted, evolved, and grown—shaping the future of hygienic processing equipment while staying grounded in a commitment to service and quality.
The Early Years: From Brooms to Dairy Bottling (1919 – 1940s)
Founded in 1919 by Oliver M. Dean and his sons Carlton and Elroy, the company began as a modest supplier of broom corn and brooms. As industrial needs shifted and the dairy industry took shape, OMD evolved into a trusted partner for dairy equipment, helping producers navigate new regulations and growing consumer demand. From pasteurization to bottling, the company became known for supplying reliable, sanitary process equipment tailored to the needs of the dairy industry.
Even during the uncertainty of the Great Depression and World War II, OMD remained resilient—adjusting its offerings to meet the moment while building a foundation of trust with customers across New England.
Post-War Expansion & The Rise of Engineering (1950s – 1980s)
Oliver’s grandsons—Jack, Roger and Bruce— eventually joined the business and led it through a strategic shift toward sanitary processing. By introducing key technologies like sanitary valves, pumps, and CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems, OMD became a leading name in hygienic process equipment.
Partnerships with top manufacturers were forged, and the company earned a reputation for quality products backed by knowledgeable support. Though it remained rooted in dairy, OMD laid the groundwork for a broader, more technical future.
The Eldon Era: 40 Years of Modernization and Growth (1985 – Present)
In 1985, Richard “Rick” Eldon and two business partners purchased Oliver M. Dean & Sons, ushering in a new era and rebranding it as Oliver M. Dean, Inc. By 1990, Rick became the sole owner.
Under Rick’s leadership, the company expanded well beyond dairy—establishing a strong presence in food, beverage, personal care, and life sciences. OMD’s focus also shifted from being a distributor to a true solution provider. Investments in automation, system integration, and engineering services helped customers modernize their facilities, reduce downtime, and improve product safety.
Territory coverage grew from the Northeast to Virginia, supported by an expanded field sales team and a customer-centric inside support staff. Personalized service, live assistance, and strategically stocked inventory became part of OMD’s everyday promise.
In 2015, Rick’s son, Dan Eldon, joined the company after a successful career in the food industry. Starting in field sales, Dan learned the business from the ground up. He became President in April 2020—just months before his father’s passing.
Under Dan’s leadership, OMD has embraced the digital era, streamlining internal operations and investing in complex, automated systems to meet the increasing demands of modern sanitary processing applications.
Rick Eldon
Dan Eldon
Today: A Trusted Partner in Hygienic Processing
Today, Oliver M. Dean supports a wide range of industries—including food, beverage, wineries, breweries, pharmaceuticals, and personal care—with custom-engineered solutions.
Their services have expanded to include preventative maintenance, calibration, system validation, and engineering support. With strong partnerships, expert installation services, and a growing focus on automation, OMD is not just a supplier—they’re a strategic partner in operational success.
Behind the scenes, the team continues to invest in technology to improve customer experience, from digital tools to expanded inside sales training. Everything remains centered on what matters most: keeping customers running smoothly and safely.
The Future: Built on Innovation and Vision
As Oliver M. Dean looks ahead, the focus remains on continuous improvement. The team is actively expanding its presence in life sciences and deepening its engineering expertise. With innovation at the forefront and a clear customer-first approach, Oliver M. Dean is positioned to lead the next generation of hygienic processing equipment and services.
Ready to Improve Your Process? Let’s Talk
Whether you’re expanding your facility, upgrading outdated equipment, or exploring new automation options, we’re here to help.
Contact Oliver M. Dean today to find the right hygienic process equipment and engineering support for your operation.
