Stella Foods announces rebuilding program for Lena, Wisconsin facility.LENA, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 29, 1996--Stella Foods, Inc. Thursday announced its intent to rebuild its Lena, Wis. cheese production facility with full production in August, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Stella President Larry Benjamin. This announcement follows a major fire on Jan. 6 that severely damaged the facility. Benjamin also told a news conference this morning in Lena, the company will begin producing ricotta cheese Ricotta (pronounced /riˈkɔtːa/ in Italian) is an Italian whey cheese, meaning a product made from whey—a by-product of milk cheese making—rather than whole milk. Other whey cheeses include Gjetost. on a limited basis by March 15 -- several weeks earlier than predicted. "We are committed to Lena," said Benjamin. "In August, we expect to have a state-of-the-art plant producing ricotta ri·cot·ta n. 1. A soft Italian cheese that resembles cottage cheese. 2. A similar soft cheese made in the United States. , mozzarella moz·za·rel·la n. A mild white Italian cheese that has a rubbery texture and is often eaten melted, as on pizza. [Italian, diminutive of mozza, a cut, mozzarella, from mozzare, and string cheese. Based on what we know today, our goal is to have all of our regular full-time employees back at work shortly after the plant is ready for full production." Benjamin said nearly half of the facility's 300 employees will be working during the rebuilding and limited production phase. Full-time employees who are not working during this period will continue to receive full company medical, dental and life insurance coverage at no cost. "We have already begun the construction. A project of this magnitude normally would take about nine to 12 months," said Benjamin. "We will be working non-stop to complete construction in half that time." More than two-thirds of the plant was completely destroyed in the early morning fire while damage to other sections ranged from moderate to severe. "We truly appreciate everyone's interest and help -- Gov. Thompson, Village President Ed Patenaude Ed Patenaude (born October 17, 1949 in Williams Lake, British Columbia) is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 431 games in the World Hockey Association. He played with the Edmonton Oilers and Indianapolis Racers. , the residents of Lena, and all of our employees and their families," Benjamin noted. The cheeses from the Lena facility are sold primarily under the Frigo trademark. Stella is one of the leading cheese producers in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , marketing Italian and specialty cheeses under the Stella, Blue Moon, Lorraine, Tolibia, Frigo, Gardenia gardenia: see madder. gardenia Any of the approximately 200 species of ornamental shrubs and trees in the genus Gardenia, in the madder family, native to tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia. and Dragone brand names. Stella Foods is a subsidiary of Specialty Foods Corporation, a group of diversified food companies engaged in wholesale baking operations, specialty cheese and prepared meat production, cookies and snacks and other specialty food production and distribution. CONTACT: Stern, Nathan & Perryman Andy Stern, 214/373-1601 |
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