Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 10/7/14

JBS USA announced it assumed full management and operation of the Alex Lee case ready fresh meat processing facility in Lenoir, N.C., effective Monday. 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 facility, originally designed, built and operated by Vantage Foods, is a USDA-inspected facility that produces case ready fresh meat products for distribution along the Eastern U.S. Seaboard.

"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 wholly owned subsidiary of the world's largest meat company, JBS S.A.

Hickory, N.C.-based Alex Lee was founded in 1931 by Alex and Lee George. It 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.

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