MFS Meatingplace Company Profile

 

Karl Schledwitz built Memphis-based Monogram Food Solutions by resurrecting neglected processed meat brands. Now he and his team have to manage its rapid growth.

by Tom Johnston, senior editor
November 2009

ACQUIRED TASTE

Memphis, Tenn.-based Monogram Food Solutions is gobbling up companies like a tourist on a plate of ribs at a Beale Street BBQ Joint: There was Al Peat Meats (Pete's Pride corn dogs and breaded patties), American Foods Group meat snacks division (Bull's, Hannah's, Dakota and O'Brien's beef jerky brands) and Wild Bill's Foods (beef jerky). And that's just the last six months.

Previously Monogram bought Trail's Best (meat snacks), Circle B (smoked sausage) and King Cotton (hot dogs and lunchmeat). It has also snapped up licenses for NASCAR, Jeff Foxworthy and Bass Pro Shops jerky brands, among others.

Along the way the company has acquired manufacturing facilities in Chandler, Minn., Martinsville, Va., and Muncie, Ind., where the company is working on an expansion to add hot dog production where corn dog breading operations already exist. Monogram has doubled its revenue since its founding just five years ago.

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