Recur Software has announced a strategic acquisition that signals its official entry into the food processing technology sector. The company has acquired Innova Zones, a leading provider of asset and compliance management software designed specifically for food processing facilities. The move underscores Recur’s long-term commitment to expanding its portfolio into high-demand industries that rely heavily on operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and cost management.
A Milestone Acquisition for Recur Software
Founded in 2014, Innova Zones has grown into a trusted software partner for more than 170 food processing plants across the United States. Its technology is already used by facilities within some of the nation’s largest and most recognizable food producers. With a platform purpose-built to address the daily challenges of food plant operators, Innova Zones provides a centralized system for asset tracking, compliance management, and audit automation.
The software helps operators bring visibility and accountability to critical assets such as storerooms, knives, uniforms, and sanitation gear. In a heavily regulated environment where health and safety compliance is paramount, this kind of visibility can be the difference between passing or failing an audit. By reducing waste, preventing compliance gaps, and streamlining asset management, Innova Zones has proven that plants can achieve six-figure cost savings within just a few months of implementation.
For Recur Software, this acquisition marks more than just a portfolio expansion—it represents entry into a vertical where operational precision and compliance are mission-critical.
Leadership Transitions and Strategic Continuity
As part of the transition, Brian Barker, who founded Innova Zones and served as its Chief Executive Officer for over a decade, will now step into the role of Chairman. His deep knowledge of the food processing industry and his track record of innovation will continue to guide the company’s long-term strategy.
Meanwhile, Zack Suther, who has served as Innova Zones’ Chief Operating Officer for many years, will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer. With extensive operational experience and a close understanding of both customer needs and product development, Suther is well-positioned to lead the company into its next phase of growth under Recur’s ownership.
Commitment to Solving Real Problems for Operators
Reflecting on the acquisition, Barker highlighted the mission-driven journey that has defined Innova Zones since its inception.
“Building Innova Zones over the past decade has been about solving real problems for operators who are under constant pressure to do more with less,” said Brian Barker, Founder and now Chairman of Innova Zones. “Finding a partner like Recur, who shares our belief in long-term, customer-first growth, gives us the confidence that this next chapter will bring even more innovation and impact for the industry.”
Barker’s words underscore a reality faced by many food processors: the constant balancing act of managing costs, staying compliant with evolving regulations, and maximizing plant efficiency. Innova Zones has positioned itself as a solution that delivers not only compliance but also measurable financial returns—an increasingly important factor in today’s competitive market.
Recur’s Perspective and Vision
From Recur Software’s perspective, Innova Zones’ proven ability to deliver immediate and tangible results was a major factor in the acquisition.
“What stood out about Innova Zones is the way it delivers immediate, tangible results for operators at the highest level in food processing,” said Charlie Serota, Co-Founder of Recur Software. “We are thrilled to welcome Brian, Zack, and the entire Innova Zones team into the Recur network and look forward to supporting their next phase of growth.”
Recur’s leadership believes that by investing further in Innova Zones’ platform, team, and technology, the company can not only maintain its category-leading position but also extend its value to adjacent industries.
Why Food Processing?
The acquisition reflects a growing recognition of the challenges and opportunities in the food processing sector. This industry operates under some of the most stringent regulations in the manufacturing world. Plants must adhere to strict guidelines around worker safety, food safety, sanitation, and asset traceability. At the same time, operators face constant pressure to reduce waste, improve throughput, and respond quickly to supply chain disruptions.
Technology that can automate audits, streamline compliance workflows, and optimize asset management is not a luxury—it is a necessity. For many food processors, the cost of a failed audit can be devastating, both financially and reputationally. Innova Zones’ ability to prevent such failures while simultaneously delivering operational savings makes it an attractive solution in a market that demands efficiency.
Growth Potential Beyond Food Processing
While Innova Zones is currently focused on food processing, Recur Software sees the potential for expansion into other industries that share similar compliance and operational challenges. Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and chemical manufacturing face comparable demands around regulatory adherence, asset management, and audit readiness. By leveraging the core strengths of the Innova Zones platform, Recur may be able to bring these benefits to a wider set of verticals in the future.
Customer-Centric Approach Remains Central
Both companies have emphasized that the acquisition is not just about technology—it’s about customer success. Recur has a track record of scaling software companies while maintaining a strong focus on customer-first growth strategies. This alignment with Innova Zones’ own philosophy ensures that existing customers will continue to receive the same level of support and innovation they have come to expect, while also benefiting from the resources of a larger software network.
