From its 1962 roots in Birkenhead, dtg Ltd has become a global leader in chocolate coating and polishing, blending heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation.
Established in 1962 in a small workshop in Birkenhead on the Wirral, UK, dtg Ltd was formerly owned and operated by Frank Finn, who designed the original “Finn” Coater and Polisher.
A lasting legacy in coating and polishing
Chocolate coating and polishing has always been at the heart of dtg Finn equipment design and operation, delivering outstanding results with ease of production. More than 50 years since its first machines were used to coat and polish traditional peanuts and raisins, dtg is now seeing a wider variety of products being produced on some of those very same machines – a true testament to the endurance and versatility of Finn equipment.
Continuous development and a genuine commitment to the confectionery sector, combined with a clear understanding of the demands customers now face, have placed dtg Ltd in the proud position of not only producing the best Finn Coaters and Polishers yet, but also providing innovative chocolate confectionery producers globally with unrivalled customer service.
Efficient, hygienic and versatile production
dtg machines continue to set high standards in production efficiency and hygiene. The innovative ThermoDrive® belt has been in production since 2015, providing numerous efficiencies over the standard modular belt. Machines are available in capacities ranging from 78 litres (54kg) to 680 litres (478kg). A MicroCoater with a six-litre (5kg) capacity is also available for product development work, training and tabletop production.
Finn Belt Coaters are used to cover a variety of centres with all types of chocolate, including milk, dark, white and plant-based varieties, as well as yoghurt and chocolate-flavoured compounds. Products can be finished on the Finn Coater with powders, spices, chopped fruit and nuts, or glazed and sealed on the Finn Polisher using automated product dispensing.
The rising cost of ingredients, together with changing consumer trends, has resulted in a growing variety of coatings becoming available within the confectionery market. These demands have driven dtg Finn’s research and development activity, ensuring its machines deliver sustainable production with low losses, high yields and results that meet exacting requirements. dtg’s design engineers are CFS Hygienic Design Certified, helping to ensure equipment meets the latest food production standards.
dtg has taken the proven excellence of Finn machine design and can deliver complete processing systems incorporating transfer conveyors, tanks and dehumidification technology. The company believes that building strong relationships and taking responsibility for its impact will enable it to address some of the industry’s most difficult challenges.
Luke Ostafijczuk has been promoted to Operations Manager, while Jeff Marsh serves as General Manager. As the family business continues to develop, Oliver and Harry Pitt support its laser-cutting and CNC requirements while also attending exhibitions. Ellie Pitt, Office Manager, maintains direct contact with customers. Lyn Pitt is immensely proud of the team, the Finn machines and the future they share together.
dtg is always pleased to have the opportunity to meet existing and prospective customers in person and will be attending the following international events:
- September 10 – World Confectionery Conference, London.
- September 28–30 – American Association of Candy Technologists Annual Conference, Chicago, USA.
- October 28–30 – ProFood India 2026, co-located with drink technology India and PackMach Asia Expo at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, India. dtg is a member of the event’s International Advisory Committee.
- December 8–10 – ChocoTec, Cologne.
