Governor Kaine Announces Monogram Food Solutions Purchase of American Foods Group Division in Martinsville

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Monogram Food Solutions, LLC, a Memphis-based manufacturer of value-added processed meats, will purchase the meat snack business of American Foods Group, LLC, which includes the Martinsville production facility, and the rights to the Bull’s, Hannah’s, O’Brien’s and Dakota brand names. Monogram will invest $3 million to expand production capacity, retaining all current positions at the American Foods Group production facility and creating 120 jobs.

“This contract between Monogram Food Solutions and American Foods Group is great news for Martinsville and Henry County,” Governor Kaine said. “Not only will all of the American Foods Group employees retain jobs, the project will create 120 new positions in a region that is rebounding from economic downturn. I congratulate both companies on this venture.”

Founded in 2004 when a group of Memphis investors bought King Cotton and Circle B Brand foods from Sara Lee Corporation, Monogram Food Solutions is dedicated to providing innovative and top-quality food products that consumers love to eat. Monogram Meat Snacks, a division of Monogram Food Solutions, is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of quality meat snacks, including jerky, meat and cheese snacks, kippered beef sticks and pickled sausages. Monogram’s meat products, all made in the U.S., include King Cotton, Circle B, Jeff Foxworthy Jerky, Bass Pro Shop’s Uncle Buck’s Licensed Products, Trail’s Best Meat Snacks, Pete’s Pride Meats and the Intimidator/NASCAR Jerky and Steak Strips. Monogram Food Solutions also uses its production capabilities for meat snacks, smoked meats, corn dogs and fritters to manufacture private label brands for strategic partners across the country. Monogram also operates facilities in Tennessee, Minnesota, and Indiana.

“The Martinsville production facility will be a good addition to our current production facilities located in Minnesota and Indiana,” said Karl Schledwitz, Chairman and CEO of Monogram. “This purchase, like our other acquisitions this year, will enhance both our production capacity and our leadership in offering top-quality regional and nationally distributed meat products and brands that retailers and customers know and trust. Virginia was a great fit for the project and we look forward to success in the Commonwealth.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $400,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Today’s announcement is a confidence boost for everyone in Martinsville and Henry County,” said Henry County Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Debra Buchanan. “To see the addition of 120 new jobs and a capital investment of $3 million means that our citizens will have more opportunity for employment and for personal growth. A citizen’s opportunity equals the same for the entire community, and for that we are thankful.”

“On behalf of the Virginia Tobacco Commission we congratulate Martinsville on a great win for the region,” said Charles R. Hawkins, Chairman, Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “We are pleased that the Tobacco Commission could offer assistance to ensure that Monogram Food Solutions will build on the success of American Foods Group and thrive in Martinsville, Virginia.”