Leading private-label food manufacturer celebrates milestone anniversary with employees, partners and community
AUSTIN, Ind. – On Wednesday, Morgan Foods Inc. (MFI), a leading name in the food industry, celebrated 125 years in business. The company hosted a special cookout as part of its month-long celebration to commemorate this milestone anniversary, bringing employees, community leaders and special guests together to celebrate over a century of tradition, community commitment and business excellence.
During Wednesday’s cookout, attendees enjoyed food and beverages supplied by MFI, participated in engagement events, and heard from company leadership and local dignitaries. The gathering highlighted MFI’s rich history and achievements.
“Morgan Foods’ 125th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our history of success and to be inspired by what the future holds,” said Louis Gottsponer, MFI president and CEO. “It is only fitting that we do so alongside our team members and the surrounding community. Austin, Indiana has been Morgan’s home for over a century, and we look forward to the next 125 years of innovation and excellence in our hometown.”
Joseph Steely Morgan founded MFI in 1899 on new advances in canning technology and southern Indiana’s rich soil. Since then, the company has remained a family business, with each generation of the Morgan family playing a key role in development and innovation. From these humble beginnings, MFI has grown to become the leading private-label soup and bean manufacturer in the United States, headquartered in a state-of-the-art facility in Austin, Indiana with approximately 1,000 employees nationwide.
“My family and I are grateful for everyone who has been a part of Morgan Foods’ journey,” said John Morgan, Executive Chairman of the Board. “From the countless hours of our employees’ dedicated work to the support of our customers, suppliers and local community, all have been instrumental in our success. Together, we have built something lasting and special.”
MFI is committed to the tradition of innovation and community engagement. With new technology advancements on the horizon, the company expects to expand its products in the near future, while maintaining its family values.
For more information, visit morganfoods.com.
About Morgan Foods Inc.
Morgan Foods Inc. (MFI) is the leading private-label soup and bean manufacturer in the United States. Celebrating 125 years in business, MFI has been delivering on its mission to create quality products that customers are proud to put their names on since 1899. Founded by Joseph Steely Morgan in Austin, Indiana, the continuous leadership of the Morgan family has grown MFI from humble beginnings to become a trusted name, known for its commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction.
Back row: Tim Maciejak, Bill Hamilton, Tyler Pearson, Joe Smith, Jonathan Pearce, Jim Lucas Front row: Mayor Roger Hawkins, Mayor Terry Amick, Kelly Maciejak, Judy Splan-Larin, Sheriff Jerry Goodin, Louis Gottsponer, Deputy Joe Guarneri, Chris Fugate, Melissa Turner, Greg Prince, Mike Jones
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1899
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Joseph Steely Morgan solicited funding partnerships to build a canning plant in Austin, Indiana.
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1906
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Joseph Steely Morgan became full owner of the company, employing 75 people.
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1914
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World War I brought tremendous growth due to an increased demand for canned food.
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1917
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Joseph Steely Morgan and his son, Ivan, partnered to run the company and changed its name to Morgan Foods Inc.
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1952
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Morgan Foods Inc. grew to own over 22 acres and employed more than 200 people.
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1970
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John Morgan took over MFI from his father at the age of 27. Under John’s leadership, MFI grew from a small co-packing canning manufacturer to the national private-label supplier it is today.
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1980
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MFI’s primary focus became canning private-label soup and beans.
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1990
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MFI was ranked the third-largest condensed-soup maker in the world, with some of the fastest running lines and technology.
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2018
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MFI purchased American Soy Products in Saline, Michigan and expanded into aseptic packaging.
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2021
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MFI became the leading private-label soup and bean manufacturer in the United States.
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2024
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MFI commemorates 125 years of manufacturing with the launch of a new website (coming soon) and celebrations planned throughout the year.
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