Patrick Cudahy Inc.: Announces Plant Expansion

CUDAHY, Wis., March 26 /PRNewswire/ — Patrick Cudahy Incorporated (PCI) will be adding onto its current state-of-the-art distribution center, which rests to the south of the overall facility, with a new building. The add-on, part of a seven year, $110 million expansion for growth plan, is expected to be in operation by the Fall of 2004. The new facility will be 27,000 total square feet and provide room for logistical plant support as well as other needs. With the addition, the current size of the overall operating plant will be almost 1.1 million square feet.

“Patrick Cudahy has been committed to the community in which we serve and people have trusted the Patrick Cudahy name for over a century. We’re pleased to mark our 116th anniversary with vital growth plans; keeping jobs in Wisconsin,” said Roger Kapella, COO and president at PCI.

With plans for growth also comes continued concern to adhere to the highest environmental standards. Voluntarily sanctioned, Patrick Cudahy operates within an Environmental Management System, which has been created by the US government as a process designed to achieve continual improvement in environmental performance. The company has continued to be supportive of this system and has decided to voluntarily undergo ISO 14001 certification, which is a specification within the overall ISO 14000 series of standards and guidelines, to manage and recognize environmental impact. The certification process can take up to one year to complete and Patrick Cudahy has committed to completing the process by the end of 2004.

“By participating in the ISO 14001, Patrick Cudahy will be making a daily effort to recognize that the actions we take today affect the overall ecological impact we will have on tomorrow. It is imperative that we train our employees on the highest standards and put those into practice,” said Sue Harrits, vice president of manufacturing and operations at PCI.

Patrick Cudahy Inc., established in 1888, celebrates 116 years of business in 2004. Employing almost 1,800 people, the company imports and exports throughout the United States and the world. With products in retail, deli, food service and industrial channels, Patrick Cudahy is considered “Home of Sweet Apple Wood Smoked Flavor(R).” Committed to the community in which it serves and with a continued focus on growth, Patrick Cudahy is able to bring centuries of quality to the tables of families everywhere. For more information visit Patrick Cudahy Inc. at www.patrickcudahy.com .