JBS USA, Greeley, Colo., assumed full management and operation of the Alex Lee case ready fresh meat processing facility in Lenoir, N.C., effective Oct. 6. The facility, owned by Alex Lee, is currently operated by Vantage Foods NC, LP, Canada.

"JBS USA is excited to expand our case ready offerings through an innovative partnership with Alex Lee," says Bill Rupp, president and COO of JBS USA Beef. "Our customers increasingly request counter-ready products that are immediately ready for consumers in the meat case. Partnering with Alex Lee, we look forward to building on our record of superior service and offering customized products to meet the needs of our diverse customer base."

The state-of-the-art facility, originally designed, built and operated by Vantage Foods, is a USDA-inspected facility that adheres to strict food safety and quality standards and produces quality case ready fresh meat products for distribution along the Eastern U.S. seaboard. 

"We are excited about the partnership with JBS and the opportunities one of the largest multi-national protein companies can bring to the Lenoir community," says Brian George, chief executive officer of Alex Lee, Inc. "We anticipate that all employees will retain their positions, and we expect sales and job growth in the near future."