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SOPAKCO Opens Multi-Million Dollar Food Processing and Packaging Facility in South Carolina

MULLINS, S.C., November 12, 2009 - - Looking to capitalize on the growing demand for shelf-stable heat-and-serve meals, SOPAKCO today announced the opening of a new multi-million dollar food processing and packaging facility in Mullins, S.C., to serve U.S. markets. The facility will enable consumer products companies, brand owners, and retailers to enter an exploding market with high quality products without a capital investment of their own.

The announcement was made at the Anderson Bank in Mullins, where a crowd of dignitaries had gathered at the invitation of SOPAKCO. In attendance were Senator Kent Williams and Representative Jim Battle of the South Carolina General Assembly.

"This is a great day for South Carolina. SOPAKCO's new plant opening shows the company's dedication to investing in our state,” said Senator Williams. “Not only will this bring employment to an area much in need, but it will also raise spirits as we see an increase in economic opportunities in our community."

SOPAKCO, which has 60 years experience in designing and producing processed foods, is among the world's three largest producers of meals ready-to-eat (MREs), shelf stable, prepared meals used by the U.S. military.

The 200,000-square-foot state-of-the-art production facility is dedicated to the design, preparation, and
packaging of heat-and-serve meals packaged in microwaveable plastic bowls and trays and flexible retort pouches. The new facility—one of three SOPAKCO operates in South Carolina—includes a state-of-the-art research and development lab; test kitchen and pilot plant; automated batch and blending operations; volumetric filling and form/fill/seal equipment; high-speed bowl filling lines; high volume retort chambers; and automated packaging lines. Quality and food safety features include electronic digital inspection systems, magnetizers, in-line and end-of-line metal detectors, and on-site USDA facilities.

The plant's staff includes food scientists, process engineers and packaging engineers. When operating at full volume, it will employ more than 80 people.

Commenting on the new facility, SOPAKCO President Lonnie Thompson said, "The opening of this new production facility, our third in South Carolina, represents our commitment to the Palmetto State. This is a great place to do business, we have a committed workforce, and our new multi-million dollar facility reflects our optimism for continued success."

Added Thompson, "There is a tremendous amount of synergy with this expansion. SOPAKCO has more than 60 years of experience in food processing and packaging, which gives us an advantage in satisfying the growing demand for heat-and-serve meals. We're a financially strong, established company, enabling us to partner with leading consumer products companies, brand owners, and retailers that want to quickly enter this growth market with confidence and without significant capital investment. We are very excited about our new plant and what it means for our company and our community."

“SOPAKCO is a world leader in packaging technology with a long history in South Carolina,” said Joe Taylor, South Carolina Department of Commerce. “Their decision to expand operations here is a strong indication that our state’s business-friendly environment, exceptional market access and skilled and dependable workforce are working to encourage growth and new job creation among our existing businesses. We congratulate SOPAKCO on their expansion and wish them continued success in their endeavors.”

Shelf-stable, heat-and-serve meals are growing in popularity with consumers, including busy professionals, students, singles and seniors, for a number of reasons. The meals, ranging from simple favorites like beef pot roast and spaghetti and meatballs to gourmet selections like pesto chicken with penne pasta, require no refrigeration, can be heated in 90 seconds, and can be consumed straight from the package. The single serving size is also perfect for portion control. The meals retail anywhere from $1.99 to $3.99, a price point that is typically less than a fast food meal. SOPAKCO formulates recipes based on the customer's nutritional, flavor, brand, and budget requirements.

SOPAKCO now has three production facilities—a second in Mullins and third in Bennettsville, S.C.—as well as warehouses in Mullins, Tennessee and Nevada. This plus rapid access to Interstates 95, 20, 26, 77, and 85 allow the company to serve all major U.S. markets.

SOPAKCO Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Perry Jowers, reports the new plant has already booked business with well-known national companies and is generating significant interest from major food brands and private labelers. "Companies are recognizing that consumers at all ends of the spectrum, from gourmet to budget, want the convenience of shelf-stable, prepared meals. SOPAKCO has the capabilities and capacity to help companies quickly get to market with delicious, nutritious meals that reflect the desired brand experience and price point."

Jowers adds, "There's a lot of opportunity, but if you don't get your product on the shelf, you'll miss the boat."

About SOPAKCO
Headquartered in South Carolina, SOPAKCO, Inc., is a world leader in the design, processing, and packaging of processed foods using traditional and emerging packaging technologies. The Company is a preferred partner to the U.S. military (MREs) as well as many international food companies. Visit www.sopakco.com for more information.

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