Thorn Apple Valley to Quit Fresh Pork Business

Thorn Apple Valley, Inc. has announced plans to exit its fresh pork operations and focus on its processed meats business as an independent entity.

"Thorn Apple Valley's losses in fiscal 1996 and 1997 primarily resulted from our fresh pork operations. As a processed meats company emphasizing higher-margin products, we hope to return to profitability and achieve more consistent financial and operational performance," said, Joel Dorfman, president and CEO.

According to the company, Thorn Apple Valley will enter into a long-term supply agreement with IBP, Inc, a leading producer of quality beef and pork products. The intercompany arrangement creates an alliance between Thorn Apple Valley and IBP that provides an assured supply of fresh pork products and raw materials.

Thorn Apple Valley is a leading meat processor whose product portfolio includes five national branded products.