OKLAHOMA CITY — Lopez Foods, Inc, (LFI) today announced the reorganization
of its corporate board and management team that will direct the Oklahoma
City-based meat manufacturing company into the new decade. The change is part of
the succession plan the company adopted as part of its ongoing efforts to keep
pace with technological and manufacturing advances that have allowed Lopez
Foods, Inc. to provide its customers with the highest industry standards in food
quality and safety.
The key transition is that of LFI Chairman John C. Lopez, who is retiring from
the top leadership position he has held since 1992, when he and his wife
Patricia took control of the manufacturing plant. Mr. Lopez will continue to
provide his counsel as Chairman Emeritus of LFI’s board of directors.
“The successful growth and profitability of a company lies squarely on the
shoulders of its management,” said Mr. Lopez. “Pat and I are proud of the
influence we have had on establishing Lopez Foods as a leader in our industry,
but it is time for us to pass the baton to those who are prepared to take the
company to the next phase of its planned development.”
Under the Lopez’s direction, LFI experienced a tremendous rate of growth,
especially during the past two decades. A highlight was its 97 percent growth
rate in 2001 over the previous year’s annual sales, propelling it towards the
13th largest U.S. Hispanic-owned business in gross sales.
“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.”
According to Sanchez, the company’s progress over the past twenty years has been
based on the grooming and development of its management team to meet the
long-term objectives identified in the formative stages of LFI’s evolution. In a
highly regulated industry it has established itself as one of the most respected
and knowledgeable management teams that provides the highest standards in food
quality and safety for its growing list of customers and employees.
“John’s and Pat’s influence is evident throughout LFI and forms the base upon
which this company is founded. We wish them every success as they embark on the
next leg of their lives’ journey spending more time with their children and
grandchildren and enjoying the fruits of their labors,” said Sanchez.
He adds, with a knowing smile, the couple may have freed themselves from the
food manufacturing business, but they are also co-founders of Suenos, LLC, a
hotel development company that last month opened its first Cambria Suites Hotel
at 4410 SW 19th Street in Oklahoma City. The 134-suite upscale hotel is the
first of several planned by the entrepreneurial couple.
Lopez Foods’ 185,000 square foot meat processing facility is situated on a
32-acre site in western Oklahoma City. It produces all-beef hamburger patties,
pork sausage patties, and Canadian-style bacon for the McDonald’s restaurant
chain and supplies a variety of other meat products to a variety of customers,
including: Applebee’s, Burger King, Costco, Kroger’s, Sam’s Club, Sonic, Target,
and Wal-Mart Stores.
The company employs nearly 450 associates in its corporate headquarters and
manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City facility, making it one of the city’s
major employers and with the production of approximately 300 million pounds
per year, it is also one of Oklahoma’s leading manufacturing companies.
Source:
Lopez Foods, Inc