Novi, Michigan, USA-headquartered Lineage Logistics has purchased the assets of Maines Paper & Food Service, a Conklin, New York-based foodservice distributor.
To bolster its end-to-end supply chain services in the QSR and casual dining hospitality segments, Lineage acquired the last mile foodservice distribution assets of Maines, which primarily supports Burger King, Tim Hortons and Darden Restaurants. This division, which encompasses a sophisticated warehousing and transportation network across seven states, serves over 2,500 brand restaurants including Burger King, Tim Hortons, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and The Capital Grille.
“To complete this acquisition in the midst of a worldwide pandemic while the nation is facing economic headwinds is extraordinary, but we continue to bet on America and are thrilled to further support our front line heroes in the food supply chain, like those at Lineage and Maines,” said Lineage President and CEO Greg Lehmkuhl. “We look forward to the opportunity to step up and help our customers stabilize their supply chain, preserve hundreds of jobs for hardworking Maines employees and ensure we continue to feed the world.”
The announcement has been welcomed by employees of the more than 100-year-old company, whom on May 10 were notified that a major component of the operation was shutting down. This followed temporary layoffs of 340 workers in March due to lost business resulting from Covid-19 pandemic-related closures of restaurants and foodservice outlets nationwide and beyond.
“Maines has served as a key distributor of America’s foodservice community over the last century, and today’s news ensures our QSR and casual dining distribution business can continue to operate and service our customers for years to come as part of one of the best food supply chain networks in the world,” said Chris Mellon, president and chief executive officer of Maines. “In Lineage, we’ve found a great partner with a stellar track record of doing business the right way and a reputation of taking care of its people, customers and communities.”
Joel Neikirk, president and ceo of Restaurant Services (RSI), commented: “RSI and Burger King have a longstanding relationship with Lineage and have familiarity with their suppliers and business partners, many of whom we are already working with. I am confident that this step to further integrate with Lineage will create significant value for us, our suppliers and the Burger King restaurants we serve.”
The transaction builds on Lineage’s extensive temperature-controlled logistics network, which includes over 50 million square feet and 1.8 billion cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity at more than 290 facilities in 11 countries across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
