The turkey plant in Melrose, Minnesota, will now operate under the name Legacy Turkey.
Life-Science Innovations (LSI) has taken ownership of the whole-bird production assets of Jennie-O Turkey Store.
The previously announced deal has been finalized, Jennie-O parent company Hormel Foods announced April 24.
Included in the transaction are the turkey plant in Melrose, Minnesota, the feed mill in Swanville, Minnesota, the associated transportation assets and the supply contracts with dedicated third-party hen growers. According to a press release from Hormel Foods, the workforce in Melrose has joined LSI.
The Melrose production facility will now operate under the name Legacy Turkey.
LSI is a diversified organization supporting a family of companies that advance the agriculture and poultry industries. With more than 80 years of experience in the industry, from hatching through processing, the company is strengthened by longstanding partnerships including Turkey Valley Farms in Marshall, Minnesota.
Other affiliated companies, according to the LSI website, include Willmar Poultry Farms, Select Genetics, PALS, Farm Service Elevator, Headstart Hatching, Next Nest Hatching, Nova-Tech Engineering and MinnWest Technology Campus.
The future of Jennie-O
While it sold the assets involved with whole-bird production, Hormel Foods continues to own and use the Jennie-O brand name.
Going forward, Jennie-O will focus on the production of round turkey, deli meats, turkey burgers, turkey bacon, turkey franks and other turkey items for retail and foodservice customers.
"This strategic move creates a more focused turkey portfolio that enables increased investment in the value-added aspects of our Jennie-O business, where we can drive substantial margin expansion," said Jeffrey Ettinger, interim CEO of Hormel Foods, during a recent earnings call.
The company has also retained the right to sell Jennie-O Oven Ready whole turkey birds and turkey breasts. In addition, Hormel Foods continues to own and operate its other turkey production facilities, feed mills, transportation assets and live production operations associated with raising and processing turkeys for value-added turkey products.
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