Frozen meat processorLopez Foods, Inc., Oklahoma City, Okla., said founder and ChairmanJohn Lopezis 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."