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Today's company evolved from a single
grower-owned processing facility producing cherry
products,
asparagus and green beans on a seasonal basis in
East Jordan, Michigan. William A. Sherman
and Fred M. Sherman, father and uncle of William,
Robert and Theodore Sherman, Burnette Foods, Inc.’s
current owner-managers, incorporated the East Jordan
facility in May 1969 as Sherman Canning Company
(SCC).
William, Robert and Theodore Sherman assumed management
of the East Jordan plant in May 1971. SCC soon increased
its service to customers by adding product lines
and expanding volume. Today, the East Jordan facility
specializes in processing asparagus,
potatoes, and cherry products.
In 1977, SCC acquired Elk Rapids
Packing Company (ERP) from 17 grower/stockholders
in a joint venture with Traverse City Canning
Company. In 1980,
SCC became the sole owner of ERP. The Shermans
established new sources of funding and continued
to expand product lines with resulting dramatic
growth in ERP’s business. Today, the
Elk Rapids facility specializes in processing fruit
fillings, maraschino cherries, and various fruit products.
In 1984, the Sherman brothers purchased
a third processing facility in Hartford, Michigan,
from 170 grower/stockholders. Today, the Hartford
facility specializes in processing apple products,
as well
as shelf-stable fruit cups and fruit juices. This
location is also used as a consolidation point
for product
distribution.
Robert Sherman Jr., William Sherman
Jr., Ted Sherman Jr., Jennifer Boyer, and Matthew
Sherman all work for the company and are part
of the third generation of the Sherman Family.
Burnette
Foods has a great history and the future should
be great as well! |
