A Food Company out of Memphis, TN has purchased a manufacturing plant in Shelby County. The company Monogram Food Solutions LLC has reached an agreement with Westin Inc. of Omaha to purchase the assets of Shelby County Cookers of Harlan. The Cookers plant on the south end of town manufactures ready to eat bacon products for food service and retail customers.

Monogram assumed control of Cookers on Saturday, October 26^th, giving Monogram an entry into the bacon category under its newly formed Monogram Prepared Meats Division. Monogram Foods is a national leader in manufacturing of licensed, co-packed, meat snacks and other meat offerings.

Chief Executive Officer of Monogram, Karl Schledwitz said in a press release, “Shelby County Cookers success stems from consistently high quality products, a dedicated workforce and being a leader in bacon innovation. The company’s value and service to customers is top tier.”

Shelby County Cooker’s was founded in 2005 and has operated under the leadership of President Brett Elliot. Monogram Prepared Meats will keep Elliot and the current management team to help run the company. Monogram and Shelby County Cookers already had a partnership when they developed a new item called bacon jerky in 2011. The item is currently in national distribution under 4 major brands and is made by Shelby County Cookers.

President and CEO of Westin Foods Scott Carlson has overseen the production and expansion of Cookers will continue to work with Monogram also and will be brought on as a member of their board. Carlson said he expects the growth of the plant to accelerate because of the capital investment and a larger national sales team available through the new company.

The Cookers plant is expected to continue to grow with a 5^th operational line in 2014 and a possible 6^th line in 2016. Since 2004, Shelby County Cookers has expanded operational lines twice and sales for the bacon products are expected to reach $70 million at the end of the year.

(Joel McCall/KNOD)