Frozen meat processor Lopez Foods, Inc., Oklahoma City, Okla., said founder and Chairman John Lopez is retiring.

The company said Lopez and his wife, Patricia, started Lopez Foods in 1992 after acquiring a meat processing plant in Oklahoma City. Today, Lopez Foods' 185,000-square-foot plant produces all-beef hamburger patties, pork sausage patties, and Canadian-style bacon for McDonald's. It also supplies prepared meats to other customers such as Applebee's, Burger King, Costco, Kroger's, Sam's Club, Sonic, Target, and Wal-Mart Stores.

Lopez Foods employs nearly 450 associates in its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City facility. The operation processes approximately 300 million pounds of product per year -- making it one of Oklahoma's leading manufacturers.

"John's leadership and commitment in adapting Lopez Foods to the needs of an increasingly diverse customer base has been a major factor in the growth of our company," said LFI President and CEO Ed Sanchez.  "Involvement of his sons John — recently elected to the board of directors — and Dave, in the company's management, will ensure the Lopez presence and perspective in our growth and development."