Waukesha-based meat processing company
Strauss Brands has agreed to sell its veal and lamb lines of business to New Jersey-based
Catelli Brothers of Foods for an undisclosed price.
Catelli Brothers Family of Foods is a U.S. subsidiary of the Canadian company
Preval AG. The business has two plants in the United States in Collingswood, New Jersey and Sutton, Massachusetts.
"We are proud to have made meaningful changes in how animals are raised and treated, becoming leaders in ethical agriculture and creating a positive and lasting impact in our industry," said
Randy Strauss, chief executive officer of Strauss Brands.
Earlier this month, Strauss Brands
filed a WARN notice with the state’s Department of Workforce Development stating 127 workers will lose their jobs as the company discontinues veal and lamb production in Franklin.
Moving forward, Strauss Brands will focus on its “rapidly growing grass-fed, grass-finished beef market.” The company is partnering with Yoakum, Texas-based
Eddy Foods to expand beef product offerings under its “Grass Rooted” label.
"Eddy brings highly sought-after value-added capabilities to Strauss's premium domestic grass-fed grass-finished beef supply," according to a Wednesday announcement. "These include ready-to-eat products across smoked sausage, sliced slow-smoked brisket, marinated, sauced, and shredded BBQ. Eddy also has a wide breadth of offerings in pork, chicken, and turkey."
In addition to its Texas headquarters, Eddy Foods operates a processing facility in Greenwood, South Carolina.
The sale of Strauss Brands’ veal and lamb business is expected to close in the coming weeks.
