Rich Products acquires GLP

Business First of Buffalo - 11:19 AM EST Monday, February 5, 2007

by James Fink

Business First

Rich Products Corp. has acquired GLP Free Manufacturing, a Grand Island-based firm that specializes in producing gluten-free baked goods.

The deal is yet another local investment made by Rich Products, says Bill Gisel, the company's president and chief executive officer. Terms were not disclosed.

Rich Products is Western New York's largest privately held company.

Health and wellness products are one of the fastest growing segments in the food industry, with total sales expected to top more than $1.7 billion in the next three years.

GLP has carved a niche by manufacturing such gluten-free products as sandwich rolls, individually packaged frozen brownies, cookies and other snack items.

"This partnership provides Rich's with access to high-quality, gluten, lactose, trans-fat and peanut-free bakery items tailored for people with Celiac disease," Gisel says.

Susan Daubney, GLP president, says she was glad a deal could be struck with Rich's, bringing together two locally grown and nurtured companies.

"Being a part of Rich's provides a distinct competitive advantage and the infrastructure we need for rapid growth," she says.

Daubney is joining Rich's staff as a product specialist for gluten-free products.

All GLP employees will remain in Western New York. The company's product manufacturing will remain in Grand Island until a specially dedicated production line is dedicated at an existing Rich Products facility.

James Fink

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