Memphis Commercial Appeal - Business News

From the May 12, 2009 edition:

Indiana Meat Packer Acquired

"Monogram Food Solutions LLC, the Memphis-based manufacturer of processed meats that owns the King Cotton, Circle B and Trail's Best brands of meat products, has acquired Al Pete Meats, manufacturer and distributor of Pete's Pride Meat Products, based in Muncie, Ind.

The Friday acquisition is the second major acquisition the company has made since it was founded in 2004. Monogram purchased Trail's Best Meat Snacks from Sara Lee Corporation in 2006, including a manufacturing plant in Chandler, Minn.

Monogram's move into Indiana will add as many as 75 people to its current 225-person employee roster.

Monogram now operates facilities in Tennessee, Minnesota and Indiana."

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Additional Stories on the Al Pete Acquisition (click to read a PDF version of the article):

Memphis Business Journal - 05/08/2009

"Monogram Food Solutions LLC has completed its second plant acquisition and is in the process of raising more than $27 million in debt and equity financing for future acquisitions and growth, says chairman and CEO Karl Schledwitz.."

Manufacturing and Technical eJournal - 05/09/2009

"The company, formed from the 2008 merger and acquisition of Al Pete Meats, plans to invest nearly $7 million toward building and equipment costs to expand its corndog and fritter manufacturing capacity."

Reliable Plant - 05/09/2009

"Monogram could not be happier about being part of Delaware County," said Steve Hofford, vice president and general manager for Monogram Comfort Foods. "The tremendous labor force and the central location of Muncie make this facility a great addition to our perishable plants in the US. The level of dedication of the people in Muncie and Delaware County will help us grow this business exponentially in the coming months and years."

Muncie Star Press - 05/13/2009

"Karl Schledwitz, chairman and CEO of Monogram, said in a statement that the company was 'delighted to be a part of the Muncie community and it is our goal to keep the Pete's Pride brand and grow it along with other meat brands.'"

Inside Indiana Business - 05/20/2009

"I am confident that Monogram Comfort Foods will continue to realize opportunities to grow through the favorable business climate and productive workforce Indiana has to offer," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "We are pleased to welcome their new investment here and hope it is the first of many to come."

Muncie Free Press - 05/20/2009

"We are excited that Monogram Foods is part of the Muncie community and are very pleased with their continued investment and job creation activity. Monogram's investment is further testimony that Muncie-Delaware County is a great place to grow a business," said Mayor Sharon McShurley.