Earthgrains Completes Purchase of Two Southern Bakeries Plants

The Earthgrains Company has completed the purchase of Southern Bakeries Inc. plants in South Carolina and Alabama.

Earthgrains has bought the assets of the Palmetto Baking Co. of Orangeburg, SC, and Tatum Bakers of Birmingham, AL, from Southern Bakeries.

The purchase of the two plants is Earthgrains' third baking acquisition in 20 months in the southern and southeastern United States.

Based on the operational integration of the three acquisitions, Earthgrains has decided to close two bakeries in Macon, GA, and Montgomery, AL, as a result of a realignment of manufacturing facilities within the regions.

Palmetto, which will continue to bake Sunbeam and Country Hearth brand breads, buns, and rolls, has more than 120 direct store delivery routes serving South Carolina and eastern Georgia.

Tatum Bakers are the makers of specialty brown-and-serve rolls.

Earthgrains is one of the largest producers of fresh packaged bread and baked goods in the United States and Europe. Major brands include Colonial, Rainbo, and IronKids.