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TABLE OF | SARA LEE BAKERIES | IMPORTANT | ||||||
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Today, the plant has three bread production lines, and two roll lines. A cake line that made snack and layer cakes was discontinued in 1999. As of 1999, the bread lines had a total production capacity of over 750,000 pounds per day and up to 165 24oz. loaves per minute. In one day, the roll lines can produce over two million hamburger or hot dog buns. The plant now employees more than 700 people, 350 of which are located in Valdese. In July 1994, Waldensian Bakeries was purchased by CooperSmith, Inc., a conglomerate of small southeastern bakeries, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. In January 1998, CooperSmith, Inc. was, in turn, purchased by Earthgrains, Inc., a publicly held baking company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and the third largest baking company in the United States. The Valdese plant was one of the largest in the Earthgrains organization at the time. In 1999, the Cake Department, which made snack and layer cakes, ring cakes, and a world-famous fruit cake, was closed. A retail/thrift store is located in the front corner of the plant where shoppers can pick up fresh bread or "aged" bread at a discount. The store is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. In the summer of 2001, Sara Lee purchased Earthgrains, Inc. in a deal valued at $2.8 billion (including assumed debt.) In 2002, Sara Lee opened an artisan bread shop that sells handmade white, sourdough, and raisin bread. The bread is baked Wednesday through Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Below are some images of the Bakery's history.
For more information about the plant or the company's products, contact them at the following address or telephone number. Sara Lee Bakeries, Inc. Their plant is located at 320 East Main Street. You may also learn about the Sara Lee corporation at its web site by clicking here.
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