Pork processing giant Smithfield Foods, Inc., Smithfield, Va., said hired Michael Brown as president and chief operating officer of Farmland Foods, Inc., effective October 4, 2010.

Canadian meat and bakery foods giant Maple Leaf Foods, Toronto, plans to build new meat processing plants and bakeries -- while it closes other facilities.

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

Pork processing giant Seaboard Foods, Shawnee Mission, Kan., agreed last Friday to become a joint partner in turkey processor Butterball LLC.

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

Pork and turkey processing giant Smithfield Foods, Inc., Smithfield, Va., said Richard J. M. Poulson, executive vice president, will retire from Smithfield effective September 1, 2010.

Denmark's Arla Foods amba said it expects by early summer 2011 to expand its Hollandtown, Wis., cheese facility.

Several refrigerated and frozen food processors were among those recently honored as top suppliers by casual restaurant operator  T.G.I. Friday's USA, Carrollton, Texas.

Looking to expand its Canadian national presence, diversified meats processor Sofina Foods Inc., Markham, Ont., said it plans to purchase Lilydale Inc., Edmonton, Alb.

Citing southern market growth for case-ready beef and pork, Tyson Foods, Inc., Springdale, Ark., said it plans to shift some production from its Council Bluffs, Iowa, case-ready plant to facilities in Goodlettsville, Tenn., and Sherman, Texas.