Preformulated molten shortening is transferred from the bulk storage or day tank to the suction of a seal-less high pressure positive displacement pump. An air/nitrogen injection system meters a controlled flow of air or inert gas into the formulation at the discharge side of this pump. This pump delivers the molten oil to the Votator® scraped surface heat exchanger (A-unit) which supercools the shortening formulation in order to initiate crystallization. As the semi-finished product crystallizes, it is plasticized through the agitation and working accomplished by the Votator® agitated holding unit (B-unit). The plastic product is finally extruded through a Votator® extrusion valve, which acts to apply back pressure on both the A and B units while texturizing the product. The plasticized shortening is stored in a tempering tank equipped with a special slow speed agitator to allow the correct crystalline structure to develop and to maintain the shortening in a fluid enough state to permit pumping to further processing. The Votator® scraped surface heat exchangers are provided with a power sensing system and controls to prevent freeze-up due to accidental overcooling of the product.