LENOIR, N.C., Oct. 2, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JBS USA today announced that the Company will assume full management and operation of the Alex Lee case ready fresh meat processing facility in Lenoir, N.C., effective Oct. 6, 2014. The facility, owned by Alex Lee, is currently operated by Vantage Foods NC, LP.
"JBS USA is excited to expand our case-ready offerings through an innovative partnership with Alex Lee," said Bill Rupp, President and COO of JBS USA Beef. "Our customers increasingly request counter-ready products that are immediately ready for consumers in the meat case. Partnering with Alex Lee, we look forward to building on our record of superior service and offering customized products to meet the needs of our diverse customer base."
The state-of-the-art facility, originally designed, built and operated by Vantage Foods, is a USDA-inspected facility that adheres to strict food safety and quality standards, resulting in the production of quality case ready fresh meat products for distribution along the Eastern U.S. Seaboard. Fresh meat produced at the facility is triple-inspected and undergoes rigorous quality checks prior to delivery to customers, including national retail establishments.
"We are excited about the partnership with JBS and the opportunities one of the largest multi-national protein companies can bring to the Lenoir community," said Brian George, CEO Alex Lee, Inc. "We anticipate that all employees will retain their positions, and we expect sales and job growth in the near future."
JBS USA is a leading processor of beef, pork and lamb products in the United States, and is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of JBS S.A., the largest animal protein company in the world. JBS USA is also a majority shareholder of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, the second largest poultry company in the U.S.
"We are proud to join the Lenoir community and look forward to widening our customer base through our partnership with Alex Lee," said Adam Bode, Head of JBS USA Case Ready Operations. "Today's consumer increasingly demands convenience and quality in their meal options. Expanding our successful case ready program to the East Coast will bring that value to our customers and their consumers."
About JBS USA
JBS USA, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the world's largest meat company, JBS S.A., is a leading processor of beef, pork and lamb in the U.S. and a leading processor of beef and lamb in Australia. JBS USA processes, prepares, packages and delivers fresh, further-processed and value-added beef and pork products for sale to customers in more than 60 countries on five continents. JBS USA is also a majority shareholder of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, the second-largest poultry company in the U.S. For more information, visit www.jbssa.com
About Alex Lee, Inc.
Founded in 1931 by Alex and Lee George, Alex Lee is a family-owned and operated company that employs approximately 10,000 people. It serves as the parent company of Merchants Distributors, LLC, which provides full-service, wholesale distribution to supermarkets across the Southeastern United States. In addition, Alex Lee is the parent company of Lowes Foods, LLC, which includes full-service grocery stores in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, including Just$ave food stores in North Carolina. Alex Lee, Inc. is based in Hickory, NC. To learn more, visit www.alexlee.com .
Cameron Bruett JBS USA (202) 445-6168 Kimberly George Alex Lee, Inc. (828) 725-4992
