Lakeside Foods, headquartered in Manitowoc, expects to soon finalize a deal purchasing the business assets of Oregon-based Smith Frozen Foods, Nov. 26, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Lakeside Foods)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A local food manufacturer announced Tuesday it is purchasing an Oregon-based company, but closing its production facility in Manitowoc.
Lakeside Foods — which supplies frozen and canned foods — says that by early next week, it expects to finalize a deal purchasing the business assets of Smith Frozen Foods. These assets include a production facility in Weston, Oregon, and Garrett Packing/Brittany Farms operations in Milton-Freewater, Oregon.
Officials say the acquisition will grow Lakeside Foods’ product base and frozen vegetable market share, as well as significantly increase its frozen storage capacity and add new production capabilities.
“We’re excited to further grow our frozen vegetable business and strengthen service to our nationwide base of retail, foodservice and industrial customers, especially those with a large footprint on the West Coast,” said Lakeside Foods President/CEO Joe Yanda.
In the news release announcing the acquisition, Lakeside Foods also said it plans to end operations at its production facility on Jay Street in Manitowoc. They say all employees have been offered other positions within the company.
“This decision, which we did not make lightly, best supports our long-term strategic growth plan,” Yanda said.
Our managers have worked to support affected employees by finding them opportunities at other Lakeside Foods locations. We remain committed to Manitowoc as our home and corporate headquarters, with four remaining production, warehouse and office locations.
Lakeside Foods will continue to produce frozen vegetables at the former Smith facilities, with plans to retain “a substantial number” of Smith employees.
Founded in 1887 as a small pea-canning plant, Lakeside Foods has expanded to 14 production facilities, with products distributed in 14 countries. It manufactures canned and frozen vegetables, canned meat, smoked sausage and hot dogs, canned dry beans, frozen desserts, appetizers and canned pet food.
Smith Frozen Foods was founded in 1919 and has remained under the ownership of the Smith family. The company grows peas, onions, carrots, corn and lima beans. Its footprint includes freezing and packaging facilities, a 250,000-square-foot cold storage facility and farming operations.
“We’re pleased to have found a great buyer,” said Gordon Smith, owner and Chairman of the Board. “Lakeside Foods is a family-owned company like ours, with a rich heritage and stable history as a vegetable producer. I look forward to watching them further grow and invest in the business my grandfather founded 105 years ago.”
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