MANITOWOC, WIS. – Lakeside Foods Inc., a processor of frozen and canned foods, announced on Sept. 24, its acquisition of Cher-Make Sausage Co. Lakeside, founded in 1887, said the addition of Cher-Make to its portfolio will expand its offerings to include a new category for existing and new customers. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. As part of the deal, Cher-Make’s president, Tom Chermak, will continue in his role along with his management team and all workers at the company’s Manitowoc plant will be retained.

“We’re excited to enter this new food category,” said Joe Yanda, president and chief executive officer of Lakeside, regarding the acquisition of the 93-year-old, family-owned sausage company.  “Our goal is to build on Cher-Make’s success, and we will invest in its operations to continue to grow its customer footprint and distribution.    

“Cher-Make is a respected maker of premium sausage and meat products, with a long history in the Manitowoc community, and we’re honored to carry on the Cher-Make legacy,” Yanda added.

“Lakeside's solid reputation in the industry for operational excellence and quality food products means Cher-Make employees will enjoy strong, stable ownership to continue building on what my grandfather began nine decades ago,” Chermak said.