JBS USA, Greeley, Colo., has been talking to Pekin, Ill., city officials about building a pork processing facility in that central Illinois town.

Pierre Foods, Advance Food Company and Advance Brands said they officially closed a merger to form AdvancePierre Foods.

Meat, poultry and prepared foods giant Hormel Foods Corporation, Austin, Minn., said it promoted Steven G. Binder to executive vice president of refrigerated foods.

A leading supplier of foodservice equipment, The Middleby Corp., Elgin, Ill., said it purchased the food processing equipment of Cozzini Inc., Chicago.

InsideToronto.com said Cargill Limited plans next spring to close its Etobicoke, Ont., case-ready meat packing plant as part of "a strategic realignment."

Chicken processor Sanderson Farms Inc., Laurel, Miss., reportedly expanded its site selection process for a second North Carolina processing facility.

Poultry processor Perdue Incorporated said it will spend $12.8 million to remodel its Salisbury, Md., corporate headquarters.

Who says frozen chicken can't be a nutritious snack option? Perdue Farms says its new Whole Grain frozen product line gives consumers with a convenient meal or snack option that is both nutritious and delicious.

JBT Corporation, Chicago, said its JBT FoodTech business will supply $5.5 million in portioning equipment to a "major North American-based poultry company."

Although it's still summer, Pierre  Foods, Inc. already is preparing for the upcoming school year.