Sunland Inc Company Overview and Status Update

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Sunland Inc is a leading manufacturer of food products. The company has a long history dating back to 1959.

Sunland Inc was founded by two brothers, Ed and Gary West, in Artesia, New Mexico.

The company started as a small family-owned business, but it quickly grew and expanded its operations.

Sunland Inc is known for its high-quality products, including peanut butter and other nut butters.

The company's products are widely available in stores and online across the United States.

Company Status

Sunland Inc. is a well-established company with a rich history. Founded in 1977, it has been a leading player in the industry for over 40 years.

The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and has a global presence with operations in several countries.

Suspended Registration

Sunland's registration to produce and distribute food products was suspended on November 26, 2012, by the FDA.

This was the first time the FDA had shut down food operations without a court hearing, using a 2011 food safety law signed by President Barack Obama.

Credit: youtube.com, Is Your CA Business SUSPENDED by FTB? (Here's How to Get Out FAST!)

The suspension was a major blow to the local community, as Sunland was the largest employer in Portales.

The FDA gave Sunland the right to a hearing to prove its facilities were clean and could reopen, but this didn't happen immediately.

Peanut processing resumed in late November 2012, just a few days after the suspension.

Sunland's facilities remained open for five months before shutting down in December 2013 due to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.

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Bankruptcy Auction

Sunland closed and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on October 9, 2013, with estimated assets of $10 million to $50 million and liabilities of $50 million to $100 million.

The company had 1,000 to 5,000 creditors.

Sunland was initially sold to Hampton Farms in North Carolina for $20 million in a first round of bidding.

Hampton Farms then raised its offer to $25.1 million, but a second bidder outbid them.

Golden Boy Foods in Canada ultimately purchased Sunland for $26 million in March 2014.

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Golden Boy Foods was Western Canada's largest peanut butter manufacturer at the time of the purchase.

A significant amount of peanut butter processed by Sunland was dumped in a New Mexico landfill in March 2014.

The dumped peanut butter had been made with $2.8 million worth of Valencia peanuts owned by Costco.

Additional reading: Peanut Corporation of America

Our Company

Sunland Inc. is a 40-year-old company that's been around since 1982. Founded by Sam Cole in Greenville, SC, it started as a local public warehouse provider.

The company has undergone significant changes over the years, with Arch Thomason purchasing it in 2008 and becoming CEO. He brought a new vision to the company and a loyal team to help him navigate the challenges of the rapidly changing supply chain industry.

Today, Sunland is a national third-party logistics provider, recognized as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics Magazine.

Our Purpose

At our company, our purpose is simple: to help our customers do what they do better. We believe that with the right support and resources, our customers can achieve their goals and succeed.

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Credit: youtube.com, Our Company’s Purpose

We're not just a company, we're a partner that helps our customers improve their processes and outcomes. Our purpose is to make a positive impact on their businesses.

By focusing on our customers' needs and goals, we're able to provide tailored solutions that meet their unique requirements. This approach has allowed us to build strong relationships with our customers and deliver results that exceed their expectations.

At its core, our purpose is about making a difference in the lives of our customers. We're committed to helping them succeed and thrive in their endeavors.

Our History

We've been around for a while - 40 years to be exact, founded in 1982 by Sam Cole in Greenville, SC. Sunland Distribution, Inc. was initially a successful local public warehouse provider.

Our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to customer satisfaction have been the driving forces behind our growth. Arch Thomason took the reins in 2008 and became CEO, bringing a new vision for Sunland and its customers.

Credit: youtube.com, Ekommerce: our company, our history

The economy took a hit shortly after Thomason's takeover, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to lead Sunland to become a great 3PL company. He focused on quality, service expertise, and a diverse leadership team with a shared vision.

In 2013, a new senior leadership team was assembled, consisting of logistics experts who aimed to take the company national. Elijah Ray and Hari Sivaprakasam were instrumental in developing the Sunland Management System to implement the company's growth strategy.

Today, we're recognized as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics Magazine, and our team continues to expand our network of distribution and fulfillment centers. We've also established new locations in Toledo, OH, Virginia, and Fontana, CA, and launched a dedicated DC in Greer, SC.

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Continuous Improvement

Continuous Improvement has been at the heart of Sunland's success. We've been on a journey of growth and transformation since our founding in Greenville, SC in 1998.

Credit: youtube.com, Continuous Improvement Explained: Whiteboard Animation

Our commitment to excellence led us to establish the Quality & Innovations Council, which oversees our continuous improvement efforts. We've also received ISO-9001 Certification, a testament to our dedication to quality.

In 2003, we began our Voice of the Customer program, which ensures that our customers' needs are always at the forefront of our decision-making process. This was followed by our first Kaizen event, a key milestone in our continuous improvement journey.

As we expanded our operations, we established new locations in McDonough, GA, Tuscaloosa, AL, and Louisville, KY. We also joined the SC Lean Alliance, a network of companies dedicated to lean principles and practices.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we adjusted our processes to adhere to CDC guidelines, demonstrating our ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances. Our commitment to safety and quality has never wavered.

We've also made significant investments in our people, launching the Lean Belt training program and Visual Daily Management systems. These initiatives have helped us to streamline our operations and improve efficiency.

Our hard work has paid off, with Sunland being recognized as the 6th fastest-growing company in South Carolina. We're proud of this achievement and continue to push ourselves to new heights.

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Our Destination 2028 growth strategy has been instrumental in guiding our expansion, including the launch of new locations in Savannah, GA and Chicago, IL. This strategic approach has enabled us to stay focused on our goals and make informed decisions about our business.

Under the leadership of President Hari Sivaprakasam, we've continued to innovate and improve, launching the Meaningful Employment Environment program with TrailPaths Workforce Solutions. This program is just one example of our commitment to creating a positive impact in our community.

Services

Sunland, Inc. offers a wide range of services to cater to both residential and commercial clients.

Asphalt paving is one of the company's specialties, and they've been perfecting this service for over 30 years.

Their team of experienced professionals is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and equipment, ensuring that all projects are executed meticulously and on-time.

Sealcoating is another essential service provided by Sunland, Inc., which helps protect and extend the lifespan of asphalt surfaces.

In addition to asphalt paving and sealcoating, Sunland, Inc. also offers striping, crack filling, and patching services to address various pavement maintenance needs.

Their commitment to sustainability and environmental care is evident in their use of eco-friendly products and minimal waste generation.

Safety and Quality

Credit: youtube.com, FDA closes Sunland "Salmonella" organic peanut butter plant New Mexico

Sunland Inc. prioritizes safety above all else. They believe every team member should go home safely every day, just as they arrived at work.

Their commitment to being a socially responsible corporate citizen is evident in their focus on creating safe work environments. This includes both physical and emotional safety.

Sunland's goal is to ensure every team member feels secure and supported in the workplace. This is a key aspect of their company culture.

Their emphasis on safety is a testament to their dedication to team members' well-being. By prioritizing safety, they aim to create a positive and productive work environment.

Sunland's commitment to safety is unwavering, and it's a core value that guides their decision-making.

Anne Wiegand

Writer

Anne Wiegand is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing insightful commentary on the world of finance. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Anne has established herself as a trusted voice in the industry. Her articles on "Gold Chart" and "Mining Stocks" have been well-received by readers and industry professionals alike, offering a unique perspective on market trends and investment opportunities.

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