“Much has changed since our founding in 1920, but we have never wavered in our commitment to Dr W A Barnette’s vision of producing the highest-quality meat products,” said Michael Cox, president of Carolina Pride, welcoming the move.
“It is this dedication and passion for quality products and exceptional customer service that has made this small family-owned business one of the most successful packaged meat producers in the entire south-east. We look forward to continuing on in the tradition of the Barnette family.”
‘History’
Gordon Brothers stated: “Carolina Pride will continue to operate in Greenwood, just as it has for almost a century,” adding that the change in corporate structure would “allow Carolina Pride to build on its storied history and heritage without disrupting the day-to-day operations of the company”.
“We are excited about working with an established brand like Carolina Pride,” said Jim Lightburn, senior managing director, commercial and industrial at Gordon Brothers. “The company certainly has deep roots in both the industry and the community, as evidenced by its 97-year track record of success.”
Marie Barnette Gwinn, daughter of William A Barnette Jr, along with Katherine Heyward Barnette and William A Barnette IV, children of William A Barnette III, said: “For generation after generation, Carolina Pride has been a fixture in our hometown of Greenwood.
‘Family heritage’
“We’re delighted that the company will continue to serve our community and its customers for many years to come. We know W A Barnette Jr and W A Barnette III would be proud that our family’s legacy will carry forward with Gordon Brothers, a company that values family heritage just as much as we do.”
Michael Cox, president of Carolina Pride since 2016, will continue to lead the company, according to Gordon Brothers. His existing management team will remain in place as well.
Carolina Pride began its operations as a small family-owned and -operated sausage producer in 1920. It now employs more than 500 people at its Greenwood, South Carolina processing facility, serving customers throughout the south-eastern US with sausages, bacon, lunch meats, hot dogs and hams.
Launched in 1903, Gordon Brothers is an advisory, lending and investment firm, with headquarters in Boston and 25 offices across four continents.