Introduction to Archer Snack Company
A former Farmer John meat processing plant in Vernon will continue its Dodger legacy with a new tenant to crank out jerky.
Archer, the Los Angeles-based snack maker behind the Dodgers’ official jerky products, has occupied the 350,500-square-foot manufacturing building at 3049, 3095 and 3163 East Vernon Avenue after outgrowing its original plant in San Bernardino, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The New Facility
Terms of what appears to be a lease from owner Goodman Group were not disclosed. The new Archer facility comes two years after Farmer John, the longtime hot dog partner of the Dodgers, abandoned the building after more than 90 years. Smithfield Foods, parent of Farmer John, sold the factory to cut costs, moving most of its West Coast business elsewhere.
Acquisition and Renovation
The buyer was Australia-based Goodman, which in July 2023 paid $206 million for the meat processing plant and warehouses across 29 acres, Commercial Observer reported. Archer plans to pour $30 million into renovating the former Dodger dog factory to ramp up production of its grass-fed beef snacks, with an opening planned for September for its more than 200 workers.
Production and Partnerships
“The explosive growth of our meat stick products made increasing our production capabilities essential, and doing this in Los Angeles was an intentional choice,” Eugene Kang, founder and CEO of Archer, said in a statement. As more fans flock to Dodger Stadium to see the World Series champs, Archer will have to meet the growing demand as the team’s official meat snack partner. MLB announced the multiyear partnership last month with plans to sell the jerky and meat sticks at concession stands throughout the 56,000-seat stadium in Elysian Park.
Official Partners
Meanwhile, another Vernon-based business, Papa Cantella’s, remains the official Dodger Dog meat supplier after Farmer Dog and the Dodgers parted ways in 2021 after more than 50 years.
Related News
Read more
Raja Foods Spends $32M on new industrial property
Vienna Beef putting $20M into Bucktown revival, return
Billionaire Portillo’s founder lists Naples penthouse for $33M
Conclusion
In conclusion, the move of Archer Snack Company into the former Farmer John plant in Vernon marks a significant development in the snack food industry, especially with its partnership with the Dodgers. This move is expected to boost production and meet the growing demand for Archer’s products.
FAQs
Q: Who is the new tenant of the former Farmer John meat processing plant in Vernon?
A: Archer Snack Company, the Los Angeles-based snack maker behind the Dodgers’ official jerky products.
Q: How much did Goodman Group pay for the meat processing plant and warehouses?
A: $206 million.
Q: How much will Archer invest in renovating the facility?
A: $30 million.
Q: What is the expected opening date for the new facility?
A: September.
