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1970's

The 1970’s was a period of rapid growth and diversification as we acquired companies in the food distribution, canned vegetable, glass, paint and textile businesses. Through one of these acquisitions, Julius G. (Chuck) Kayser joined Seneca and played a key role in our growth until his death in 1988.

• Our corporate name was changed to S.S. Pierce Company.

• A non–food group was added through the acquisition of Tapetex (textiles), Lehman Bros. (paint), and Castle Hansen (glass).

• Acquisition of the S.S. Pierce Company (including its subsidiaries – Lincoln Foods, Kennett Canning Co. and Stateline Potato Chip Co.) took place. S.S. Pierce was a leading New England food service distributor as well as a rectifier, bottler and distributor of wines and spirits.

• Another acquisition that took place during this period was the purchase of Marion Canning which marked our entry into vegetable processing.

• An apple processing plant in Mountain Home, North Carolina, was also purchased.

• During the 1970’s we increased our canned vegetable business with retail and food service customers through the acquisition of Fruit Belt Preserving Co., Seneca Kraut, and Perfection Foods.

• We began the production of metal cans for both our juice and vegetable products.