The Columbus (Neb.) Telegram reported that Cargill Value Added Meats, Wichita, Kan., will purchase Lopez Foods' beef processing plant in Columbus, Neb., in early January. Known as Carneco Foods LLC, the operation processes frozen beef patties, beef chubs and fresh ground beef (in modified atmosphere packaging) for foodservice and retail customers. Cargill said it was considering a new plant after fire destroyed Cargill's Booneville, Ark., location last spring. Jim English, chief operating officer for Lopez Foods, Oklahoma City, Okla., said Lopez wants to focus on more value-added, fully cooked products.