OSI Group, Aurora, Ill., joined forces with UK-based Pickstock Telford, Ltd. to assure a steady supply of quality beef to OSI’s further processing operations in Europe.

Originally founded in 2003, Pickstock Telford opened its new beef processing plant in Telford, Shropshire, earlier this year. This plant is said to be one of the largest and most modern energy efficient plants in the UK.

Pickstock Telford is an ideal fit with the OSI Foodworks European division, which already conducts business in every European country, including production sites in eight countries of mainland Europe.

“I am extremely pleased by the prospect of the synergies that this joint venture will bring to our growth strategy to expand market sales,” says Greg Pickstock, managing director for Pickstock Telford. “OSI is a respected company with a solid reputation and has an established presence throughout the beef sector. Working with OSI Foodworks will optimize the potential for our products worldwide. This is a good thing for us, and most importantly, for the farmers that supply us.”

“Pickstock Telford is an impressive plant that is well managed and well invested. It fits in with the OSI value of a global company with a family feel to it,” says Mark Richardson, senior vice president, global supply chain for OSI. “The venture will also add value for our customers, giving a greater depth of supply chain integration and product security, along with a sustainable and locally-sourced solution. We look forward to working with Greg and his team.”

The company will retain the name Pickstock Telford, Ltd.

This joint venture comes on the heels of OSI’s food safety scandal involving its Husi Shanghai, China, operations