A subsidiary of the Aurora, Illinois, USA-headquartered OSI Group has announced its purchase of Park 100 Foods, a privately owned custom kettle-cooked food manufacturer based in Tipton, Indiana. The acquisition will expand OSI’s current portfolio by providing additional sauce-processing capabilities and expertise as well as entry into attractive soup and macaroni and cheese categories.
Established in 1976 as a manufacturing facility for portioned breaded meats, Park 100 increased its scale to include kettle-formulated frozen soups, sauces, chili, side dishes, gravies, and macaroni and cheese. The company employs more than 600 people at Indiana plants in Tipton, Morristown and Kokomo, as well s Fort Worth, Texas.
“This is an incredible partnership of similar cultures and business approaches that will help us broaden our overall OSI processing capabilities,” said Dave McDonald, president and chief executive officer of OSI about the company’s largest acquisition. “The food business is all about relationships and Park 100 has done an excellent job providing unparalleled customer service. We are thrilled to have their team join us as we explore new, unique solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers and consumers.”
The addition of Park 100 will complement OSI’s existing business while providing a significant presence in the soup, sauce, and macaroni and cheese categories.
Current Park 100 Co-President Rick Mager will become managing director and join the OSI North America Leadership Team. He will report to Kevin Scott, OSI senior executive vice president and leader of the OSI North America business. Park 100’s CEO/Founder Jim Washburn, Founder Gary Meade and Co-President David Alves will stay on board as consultants to assist with the transition and integration.
“When we began looking at an organization that could carry on our legacy, OSI clearly stood out as a customer-focused company with an impeccable reputation,” said Washburn. “OSI not only has an impressive customer reach but also takes pride in its family atmosphere, which was a vital element when considering what was next for Park 100 teams.”
Founded in the early 1900s, OSI is one of the largest privately held diversified suppliers to the food industry, serving the world’s leading foodservice and retail operators. Employing approximately 20,000 people at 67 facilities in 17 countries and regions, it sells products to customers in 77 countries.
