North Star Foods Inc. a protein processing company serving the industrial, retail, and foodservice sectors and Quantum Foods, LLC, one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced food processors, announced today that they will combine operations into a single food company.
The move combines two successful companies into a single organization–Quantum Foods–now capable of offering an even more diverse line of custom-menu solutions for national and regional chains, including full-service and quick-service restaurants.
“We will be able to harness the unparalleled industry knowledge, technologies, and expertise within these two organizations to fully benefit the customer,” says Edward Bleka, Quantum Foods president, CEO and founder.
“This combination represents a very bold step as we seek sustainable long-term growth and the ability to deliver the best products and service possible,” Bleka says. “We also believe this move will accelerate the capabilities of Quantum Foods’ new products development, and it will significantly differentiate us in the marketplace.”
“Combining both companies will enable us to immediately address our total customer needs and offer unique custom menus with a broad array of multi-protein options,” says Patrick Thesing, vice president and co-owner of North Star Foods.
“Our goal has always been to provide North Star Foods customers with the highest possible level of responsiveness, service, and product quality,” Thesing says. “We firmly believe we can continue our customer commitment with Quantum Foods.
Thesing also says that a new food processing research center may be built in or around Saint Charles in the near future. The center would focus on developing more innovative ways to provide protein foodservice products and mass production. Quantum Foods has a research and development culinary center located at the company’s headquarters in Bolingbrook, Illinois.
“We want to have the facilities, talent, and experience to work closely with customers and prospects to formulate and test new protein products,” Bleka says. “Quantum Foods believes it is essential to turn food insights into desired products and increased success rates that add significant value to customers.”
North Star Foods co-owners Thesing and Brad Arndt will continue in active leadership and customer contact roles in the combined business. In addition, several of North Star Foods’ remaining employees will be working with Quantum Foods in operating, sales, and research and development positions.
