Texas-based National Pecan has bought Georgia-based Poulan Pecan Company. The purchase, which includes the Poulan Pecan Company processing facility and brand, is the first of its kind for National Pecan. The company says it is major milestone toward its vertical integration goals.

“At National Pecan, we feel very positive about the future of the U.S. pecan industry. As such, we are delighted with the purchase of Poulan Pecan Company,” said David Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer for National Pecan. “Our company has already purchased significant pecan acreage, so acquiring a high-efficiency processing facility is a strategic move for our aggressive expansion plans.”

“Shelling is the next major step in the pecan supply chain after production, so establishing a footprint in shelling is the logical progression in the National Pecan vertical integration strategy,” Lawrence said.

National Pecan is actively pursuing the purchase of other facilities, along with additional acreage in the southeast, southwest and western United States.

The Poulan Pecan Company is in Poulan, Ga., located in the heart of the country’s leading pecan-producing state. The processing facility employs 50 full-time staff and provides bulk-packaged pecan kernels for global ingredient, bakery, wholesale and retail customers. The facility also has roasting and value-added processing capabilities.

“The investment of resources and capital by National Pecan in Poulan Pecan Company will allow for accelerated growth of the supplier base, in addition to supporting existing and new customers,” said Lawrence. 

Jess Harrell, president and CEO of Poulan Pecan Company, will remain in his current role. Harrell established Poulan Pecan Company in 2009. He has more than 35 years of direct operational and management experience within the pecan industry.