Maker of steak, chicken products is expanding in Vineland

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Allied Specialty Foods Inc. — a manufacturer of steak and chicken products for food service distributors, restaurant chains and other food manufacturers in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and foreign U.S. military bases — is staying and expanding its operations in New Jersey.While the company had previously expressed interest in relocating to Delaware, it has instead chosen to invest $14 million into a 75,000-square-foot facility on 8.8 acres in the Vineland Industrial Park that will become business headquarters and the operating plant by the fourth quarter of this year.

“Allied Specialty Foods Inc. has called the state of New Jersey home for more than 20 years, and we are thrilled that it will continue to be headquartered in Vineland for the next 20 years and beyond,” Paul Litten, president and operating partner, said in a statement.

The company received a $3.5 million loan from the Vineland UEZ program and a Grow New Jersey Assistance Program award from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in the amount of $13.7 million to create new jobs.

“Allied Foods has been a staple in Vineland for decades, and its expansion brings a new infusion of jobs and economic benefits to the region,” New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno said in a statement. 

Over 70 new jobs will be created in addition to the company’s current 130 employees.

The two existing facilities will become expanded manufacturing operations and cold and frozen storage spaces.

“We see the steak sandwich market continuing to grow, especially among restaurants that currently provide hamburgers on their menus,” Litten said. “Our expansion will help us keep up with the continued increasing demand for these products.”

Allied Specialty Foods hopes to become the No. 1 steak sandwich supplier in the country. Its products are currently used in popular meal items such as the famous Philly cheesesteaks. 

Founded in 1956, company sales in 2015 were estimated to be $50 million.