Hershey Friedman, New Owner Of Agriprocessors Attacks Postville Critics

"The people who have been complaining about us started doing so even before we actually took over the plant. They seem to be far more driven by their combined agenda than by any genuine desire to restore the plant or to make Postville a better place to live."

AGRI STAR MEAT-PLANT OWNER: 'WE WILL SUCCEED'
Elliot Resnick • The Jewish Press

In the months since Agriprocessors - formerly America's largest kosher meatpacking plant - declared bankruptcy in the wake of allegations of unethical and illegal business practices, speculation has abounded: Who will fill the gap in the kosher meat market? Will meat prices go up? Will an Orthodox Jew buy the Postville, Iowa plant?

Close to a year later, answers are finally emerging. Montreal-based Hershey Friedman, a well-known businessman and philanthropist - who, among numerous other ventures, sponsored the publication of the popular Oz Vehadar Shas - took over the plant in August, renaming it Agri Star Meat & Poultry.

In a recent interview with The Jewish Press, Friedman discussed his reasons for buying the plant and his plans for its future.

The Jewish Press: What's your background?

Friedman: I was born and raised in Montreal. My father came from Czechoslovakia and my mother came from Hungary. Both went through the war and in 1949 moved to Montreal where my father established himself as one of the Jewish community's leading businessmen.

When I was only about 10 years old, my father was seriously injured in a car accident. He remained a paraplegic for the remaining 23 years of his life.

As a young boy my elementary school education was in the Satmar cheder in Montreal. After my bar mitzvah, I went to litvishe yeshivas - Ner Yisroel in Baltimore and then Bais Shraga in Monsey.

In 1967 I returned to Montreal, joining our family business in order to help my mother run it and enable my two brothers to continue learning in yeshiva. In 1975 I married Raisy Stuhl in Montreal and today we have six wonderful children, five of whom are married and have their own children. All of my married children are part of my business.

Why did you buy the Postville plant, considering all the controversies surrounding it?

That's a very interesting question. Let me give you a little background. In Canada there is only one kosher milk provider. As a result of this monopoly, the price of milk products is extremely expensive - nearly double the price in the United States. While the difference in price doesn't really affect average and well-to-do people, it makes a real difference to large families that are not well off.

We cannot afford this type of problem with glatt kosher meat in America. If you only have one glatt kosher meat supplier, within a couple of years you'll end up paying double what you're paying today.

Now, as a Canadian, what have I got to do with it? I'm very involved with klal Yisrael worldwide and it just didn't make sense to sit idly by and watch a monopoly develop. Buying and reinvigorating Agriprocessors's plant was the best opportunity to try maintaining two glatt kosher producers in America.

What's your vision for Agri Star? Will it match Agriprocessors's level of production?

Operations at the plant will hopefully go back to their original size. Right now production is limited to chickens and some deli, but we're aiming to begin returning to beef production sometime within the next few months.

We're currently working on modernizing many areas in the facility and are trying to change or fix a lot of the facility's handicaps in order to make it more efficient.

We also want to add many products that are not produced today. Our deli will be expanded tremendously. Deli doesn't only mean salami, pastrami and turkey. It also means pre-cooked frozen products that you can take home and re-warm.

Many people accused Agriprocessors of mistreating its workers.

I don't want to discuss the past. What happened in the past is not only history, it's irrelevant to Agri Star. We are a completely new company with new management, new ideas and new resources, and we're looking positively toward the future. We want to be good citizens in the state of Iowa and the city of Postville. We will be treating and paying all of our employees properly, fairly, and equally.

Agriprocessors was also accused of hiring illegal immigrants and maintaining unsafe conditions in the plant. How are you dealing with those issues?

Again, I don't want to discuss the past. We have put in a very strong human resources department, which uses "e-verify" to make sure that we do not hire illegal workers. That's part of our business plan.

We have also been investing millions of dollars into the plant, upgrading health and safety to improve the facility and make it a safe environment.

Some people have criticized Agri Star for its employment of three members of the Rubashkin family, considering that the Rubashkins founded and ran the controversial Agriprocessors company.

There is no basis for that criticism. We bought the company's assets out of bankruptcy at a court-approved auction. At the time that Agri Star took over the plant, hundreds of employees who had previously worked for Agriprocessors's bankruptcy trustee had the opportunity to apply for employment by Agri Star. Most, if not all, of these employees were hired by us when Agri Star commenced operations.

When we acquired the plant, it was made clear to the United States government that among the many employees working for the bankruptcy trustee were one Rubashkin son, one Rubashkin son-in-law, and one Rubashkin grandson. These individuals were among the hundreds of Agriprocessors employees who came to work for Agri Star. The government had no problem with these employees because they are not in management; they are employed by us only as employees.

According to a recent news report, some Postville locals are complaining - like they complained about the Rubashkins - that you are not sufficiently involved in the larger Postville community.

We have priorities. The first priority is putting the business back in order, which will take time. We will be part of the community - whether it be the Jewish community or the non-Jewish community. But priority number one is to put the plant back on its feet. The people who have been complaining about us started doing so even before we actually took over the plant. They seem to be far more driven by their combined agenda than by any genuine desire to restore the plant or to make Postville a better place to live.

In the meantime, we have met with Postville's mayor and city council several times already and spoken to them about any concerns they have. They have been supportive and we appreciate that. We're on top of it. We will be community oriented.

Is there any message you'd like to convey to kosher consumers?

People need to know that we are here to stay. Our goal is to provide the highest quality products to the Jewish community. We will succeed and when we do, everyone will be better off.

Also, people should know that our plant is the only plant in the world, outside of Israel, that is specifically designed to slaughter and process kosher meat. (Other kosher meat companies use existing non-kosher facilities.) That's why the world is focused on it.

Finally, our plant is ideally located in Iowa where there's a large concentration of the highest quality cattle called Black Angus. In the non-Jewish world, they advertise Black Angus steaks very heavily. It's considered the best beef. This past year, the kosher consumer has not been getting that premium product. We're going to bring it back very shortly.

There are so many inaccuracies in Friedman's remarks, it's difficult to know where to start:

1. Agriprocessors did not sell exclusively or primarily Black Angus beef.

2. There are at least five glatt kosher meat producers in the US – not two.

3. Rubashkin family members hold management positions in the plant.

4. Most of Agriprocessors pre-bankruptcy employees were not rehired by Agri Star, and many of Agriprocessors post-bankruptcy employees were not rehired. Employment at the plant is less than 1/3 of what it was pre-raid.

5. Local Postville critics wanted to meet with Friedman to get a Community Benefits Agreement. Friedman refused.

I don't think Friedman's remarks bode well for Agri Star's future.

Comments

[Getthefactsman]

I agree with Hershey 100%. Agri Star is going in the right direction as is Postville. It takes time.... Dah

[jj]

is weismandel/nitra still goning to be the mashgiach?

[AGRI-vated Angel]

R'Hershey Friedman better be thinking clearly when he is readied- re: reopen the beef line.

CASH IN HAND will be the safeguard wise cattlemen will adhere to.

Cash advance for feed/supplies-

. . . and so on.

Black Angus beef cattle producers will not be fooled . . . the second time around.

That is all.

BTW ~ Is it true Hershey? Do you plan to 'flip' the company in three years?

Who to?

[Shmarya]

is weismandel/nitra still goning to be the mashgiach?

He still is.

[Krewz]

"

is weismandel/nitra still goning to be the mashgiach?

He still is.
"

Who cares?

There are ppl out there who eat his hashgacha .

[Krewz]

"3. Rubashkin family members hold management positions in the plant."

And they are:_________

[Shmarya]

Heshey Rubashkin, for one.

[Getthefactsman]

Heshy is no longer in Mgt he is a saleperson

[AGRI-vated Angel]

[Heshy is no longer in Mgt he is a saleperson]

I suppose Heshy's top 'sales pitch' is to reassure the potential client . . . the Rubaskhkin family will (publicly) be back at the helm in three years.

lol :)

[Shmarya]

A "salesperson"? Does that mean a salesperson or a "salesperson with the same duties he had before the sale of the plant"?

[Pablo Faird]

Shmarya:
Here are counter points to your 5 comments.
1)Reading the interview, it sounds like HF intends to sell and market Black Angus, nowhere does he state that Agriprocessors exclusively sold that product or any product for that matter.
2) I believe it is safe to say that pre-raid there were 2 ``big`` meat processing companies Agriprocessors and Alle.
3) We (you included) need clarification as to exactly what positions the Rubashkins hold before commenting.
4)I still can`t find any reference to pre-raid in the interview, all he is saying is post bankruptcy employees (READ the article), since you seem to know so much, of the 300+ employees how many were NOT there when Agri Star took over operations.
5) Read the article again, PRIORITIES, PRIORITIES, PRIORITIES.

[Getthefactsman]

Thats it Heshy is in sales - we have 2 kosher salesman and he happens to be one of them. Very Simple

Also 90% of beef killed at Agriprocessors was Black Angus - Cows were killed at the Local Pride Gordon Plant. Very Simple

What Hershey is saying concerning employees rehired is that when Agri Star took over plant from Agriprocessors that all employees that were working at that time reapplied for a position. He hired 90%-95% of all employees back at that time. Nothing more nothing less. Very Simple

There is alot of money going into Agri Star plant to have a superior Beef and Poultry product at this time. Hershey is here to stay. He is commited. He wants whats best for the Company, Employees, Consumers and Community. Very Simple - It just takes time for this all to come together.

[FirstGenerationBavarianAmerican]

Its pretty obvious to me that Mr. Friedman has obtained the services of a public relations company or "flack." This interview is typical of the softball interviews with senior corporate executives published by New York media for the general public and not a trade audience.

Our moderator is right in that there are many inaccuracies in Mr. Friedman's remarks, probably more so from inexperience than trying to put a spin on things. What no one seems to have covered is who is "putting the business back in order." Mr. Friedman can hire consultants, can use existing plant employees, or use his own family members/business partners. The big risk is that he is "a fish out of water" and doesn't "get it right."

[CR]

From the article:
"We also want to add many products that are not produced today. Our deli will be expanded tremendously. Deli doesn't only mean salami, pastrami and turkey. It also means pre-cooked frozen products that you can take home and re-warm."

HF is taking a page from the Empire and Meal Mart playbooks here by offering more prepared foods. Good; that's a product area that can use some more competition to diversify the offerings while improving quality and price.

"2) I believe it is safe to say that pre-raid there were 2 ``big`` meat processing companies Agriprocessors and Alle."

And Globex/International Glatt rounded out the kosher meat "Big Three". Poultry production is obviously much more diverse.

[Pablo Faird]

Ok, so its the big 3, I`m good with that.

[Shmarya]

Re: glatt producers pre raid. Also Aurora. And then three or four smaller ones.

"90%" of beef killed at Agri was "Black Angus." False.

Re: Pablo. I'll get back to you soon. Doing an interview now.

[Neo-Conservaguy]

"is weismandel/nitra still goning to be the mashgiach?"

He still is. Who cares?

There are ppl out there who eat his hashgacha.

This comment illustrates well why it was a double edged sword that that Agriprocessors went down over the illegal hiring practices, rather than the fact that they created treif meat (literally, not just figuratively) and were allowed by the rabbinic "supervision" to sell it. I lay part of the blame for this on the OUs lack of willingness to honestly admit to the Jewish public that mistakes were made, keilim should be kashered, extra tzedakah given by the company, OU and all consumers, etc. as a tikkun for the situation. Unless the new ownership changes the supervision leadership and gets rid of the highly problematic upside-down cattle pens, there is no reason to believe the same concerns will not exist under the new ownership.

[harold]

We cannot afford this type of problem with glatt kosher meat in America. If you only have one glatt kosher meat supplier, within a couple of years you'll end up paying double what you're paying today.

Now, as a Canadian, what have I got to do with it? I'm very involved with klal Yisrael worldwide and it just didn't make sense to sit idly by and watch a monopoly develop

Way to go Hershey!

[Shmarya]

What no one seems to have covered is who is "putting the business back in order." Mr. Friedman can hire consultants, can use existing plant employees, or use his own family members/business partners. The big risk is that he is "a fish out of water" and doesn't "get it right."

The trustee relied on the Rubashkins for much of the day-to-day management of the plant.

Is Hershey?

It seems so.

[FirstGenerationBavarianAmerican]

There are still a number of second and third generation family-owned meat companies in Brooklyn and Queens. They are not going to face the same kinds of problems that the manufacturers of mechanical slide rules faced. Mr. Friedman and his partners may be serious about staying in the meat business.

[Getthefactsman]

Shmarya - No disrespect but you are way off base in your comments about Agri Star and Hershey. I am not going into anymore discussion, but quite frankly you do not know what you are talking about "Elizabeth"...Sorry I mean Schmarya

[CR]

"Also Aurora."

I believe they primarily harvest for Alle/Meal Mart.

"And then three or four smaller ones."

Baltimore, Dallas and Denver come to mind.

[The sane one]

"Pay properly, fairly, and equally" Anyone know what the avg starting wage is in the meat industry? I do. $10.50/hr is pretty standard with wage increases in certain jobs (i.e. splitter, gutter, etc.)If Argi is one of so few in the nation how is it they don't pay the average for such jobs. So how is $8.50/hr fair or equal? To Agri-star employees, do yourself a favor and move on! Austin,MN., Waterloo,IA., Denison,IA., Storm Lake, IA., Worthington, MN. These are just a few that pay $4000 more per year on the lowliest of jobs. Get the hell out of there!

[Getthefactsman]

Hey Insane One:

Agri Star hasnt even started Beef Kill yet. My question to you inSane One is how do you know much Agri Star is going to pay their (splitter, gutter, etc.) Its people like you that dont know what your talking about. Alls you know how to do is react. I bet you are a sucker for the liberal media.

[Pablo Faird]

The sane one:
Please provide sources.

[sage]

+++ 5. Local Postville critics wanted to meet with Friedman to get a Community Benefits Agreement. Friedman refused. +++

This is a fundamental requirement, on the part of HF, if he is truly serious about developing a win-win situation for Agri-Star and Postville.

And not only this; a Town Hall Meeting with Postville folks needs to be held, as well.

Certainly, if HF is on the up-and-up, he would be bending over backwards to inform Postville and its citizens of his long term plans.

Keeping the city and its folks in the dark, and providing no means for independent verification of claimed progress, is an invitation for disaster.

[Getthefactsman]

Quote out of Waterloo Paper today

The human resources manager, when pressed, agreed with Brown's assessment that she had "a little bit of a temper," was "a little exciteable," and was "prone to drama."

Are You sure?????? LOL

[state of the Jews]

Alle does not have a kill floor.
All of its meat currently comes from Aurora and from ... Canada.

Hershey has avoided meeting with Postvillians from the start. He has met with the mayor and a few others but has made no effort to go about the town introducing himself and talking about his plans. He has not met with true community leaders (read church officials) who would welcome having a private meeting so they can reassure their congregants.

Heshy knows nothing about sales. He was never involved in this area but was in charge of beef kill. In fact there ws a move by the family to keep him as far away from public contacts as possible. He is known to have a violent personality. So now he is in sales??? Doesn't seem to make sense unless his real role has to do with maintaining "rubashkin" house accounts (read Lubavitch) or, most likely, overseeing the running of the plant. Remember, Hershey and his son-in-law know nothing about running a abattoir. If it isn't Hershey, who is running the plant?

Just came from Kosherfest. Agri-Star had a small endcap booth. Hershey was not present. Lots of people were coming by - mostly out of curiosity.

[Getthefactsman]

I can only laugh at you "Know it alls" LOL

[FirstGenerationBavarianAmerican]

Photo from Kosherfest that SOJ was talking about. Note the revamped Aaron's logo:
http://www.vosizneias.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/MG_7191.JPG

[Max]

Getthefactsman:
Since you seemed to be the 'know it all' why don't you enlighten us.
1) Who is in charge of day-today operations at the plant? (Don't insult us by saying it is Hershey or his son-in-law)
2)What is the name of the person in charge of the chicken line?
3)Who is overseeing the installation of new beef line equipment?
4)What changes are being made to the beef line and/or chicken line?
5)Where are they building the alleged new processed food section and who is overseeing the installation?
I'm sure you'll have no problem confirming your pedigree as a knowitall in these matters.

[Concerned for the Postville Area]

Finally, our plant is ideally located in Iowa where there's a large concentration of the highest quality cattle called Black Angus. In the non-Jewish world, they advertise Black Angus steaks very heavily. It's considered the best beef. This past year, the kosher consumer has not been getting that premium product. We're going to bring it back very shortly.

I have news for Mr. Hershey he'll get my "BLACK ANGUS" and other cattle producers cattle when cows fly!! Maybe he meant "BLACK ANUS"!!

there has been way to much trust broken on this issue, maybe he should have realized this before he bought the graveyard of a plant.

Is it true Hershey? Do you plan to 'flip' the company in three years?

Who to?

Posted by: AGRI-vated Angel

I think the answer is pretty clear Angel, that is actually why Rubbish remain within the walls.... the gutter rats hope to regain control after they have exhausted every court attempt for a mistrial..

[Fundaysryet2come]

Max,
I will give you the answers to your questions.
1. Garry Norris
2. Brent Bebee is superintendent garry is over him.
3. Beef Projects crew.
4. Too much to list...Lots of blueprints are drawn up and many contractors are there working lots of things happening walls going up and coming down, arranging equipment...just numerous things
5. I am not sure on location for that. sorry.

[Max]

Fundaysyett2come:
I thought Brent moved to sales after Mark Halbe left/was fired?
Sounds like Hershey is sinking a lot of $ into the place which is a good thing - it needed it! He would definitely have to move some walls if he's going back into beef production and there were a lot of injuries due to equipment being too close together for good staging. Also there were major problems with the drainage system in the plant and there was definite lack of eyewash stations, except around the chemical mixing room. That's a problem because chemicals were used all over the place to clean. Also, problems with lockout/tagout --- some of the machines were not hard wired.
Thanks for the info. Lets hope they continue on this track. BTW, do they now have a dedicated infirmary or are they still using the laundry room?

[state of disgust]

Hershey will have a tough time getting back into the meat market -- except for the Lubavitch community. There are many, many people who jumped in and filled the void with OU or Star-K hashgocha. Very high quality, Black Angus beef. Even Rubashkin is back in the business. Yossie R is selling Uruguay beef, probably in conjunction with his sister.
Good quality beef is available at reasonable prices by UPS in Styrofoam/dry ice pack. That gets you good product in every community in the US. The Lubavitch community is too small on its own to support an operation the size Hershey seems to want to build.

[Shmarya]

But Hershey is very well connected. He's a big donor to haredi yeshivot. He'll get in.

[state of the Jews]

"As a young boy my elementary school education was in the Satmar cheder in Montreal. After my bar mitzvah, I went to litvishe yeshivas - Ner Yisroel in Baltimore and then Bais Shraga in Monsey."

What do people make of his educational background?

[ben yomo]

just your typical satmar/litvish/chareid education

[R]

Just eat normal kosher, glatt is just a marketing scheme.

[FirstGenerationBavarianAmerican]

Mr. Friedman said, "The government had no problem with these employees because they are not in management; they are employed by us only as employees."

Mr. Friedman may not have paid much attention to Agriprocessors before the company was put up for auction in bankruptcy proceedings. He may not understand why people don't believe him. There were at least two rounds of "management changes" discussed here. For instance, in May, 2008:
http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2008/05/ou-admits-repla.html
http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2008/05/is-rubashkin--1.html

Then, the latest superceding indictment alleges the defendant was still doing management stuff (i.e., destroying records) after Bernie was brought on board. A few of the posts before the indictment was filed:
http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2008/09/agriprocessor-4.html
http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2008/09/ou-new-agriproc.html
http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2008/09/agriprocessor-6.html

[FirstGenerationBavarianAmerican]

Mr. Friedman said, "The government had no problem with these employees because they are not in management; they are employed by us only as employees."

Mr. Friedman may not have paid much attention to Agriprocessors before the company was put up for auction in bankruptcy proceedings. He may not understand why people don't believe him. There were at least two rounds of "management changes" discussed here. For instance, in May, 2008:
http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2008/05/ou-admits-repla.html
http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2008/05/is-rubashkin--1.html

Then, the latest superceding indictment alleges the defendant was still doing management stuff (i.e., destroying records) after Bernie was brought on board. A few of the posts before the indictment was filed:
http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2008/09/agriprocessor-4.html
http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2008/09/ou-new-agriproc.html
http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2008/09/agriprocessor-6.html

[Hometown Postville]

Sorry guys, whether I agree with how Hershey is handling things or not, I was expecting this kind of response from him. I would react the same if badgered by everyone. He's big enough cheese in his corporation to view Postvillians as annoying little ants. Keep crawling all over him and he might just clam up forever. Aren't there other issues in Postville besides Agri that people need to tend to? How about attracting other businesses?

[sage]

+++ How about attracting other businesses?

Posted by: Hometown Postville | October 29, 2009 at 07:39 AM +++

A fundamental question that should be be asked is:

"Will Postville be able to attract other businesses, if Agri-Star and the Chabad Community are present?"

My gut feel, for what it's worth, is NO.

The above assumes, that Hershey, in spite of his comments that he intends to work for an end game that's a win-win for Agri-Star and Postville, doesn't or can't deliver on this.

[Pablo Faird]

Guys, lets cool down for a moment. Perhaps some Postville natives can give us real and honest numbers as to how many Postville native individuals are stirring this pot about meeting the ``council``. My guess is that it is only a handful of people, whereas the vast majority want this place to succeed and really don`t give a crap as to how the plant is going to be run nor do they care about a detailed power point presentation given by HF as to how he intends to turn the place around.

But Hershey is very well connected. He's a big donor to haredi yeshivot. He'll get in.

Posted by: Shmarya | October 28, 2009 at 05:57 PM
Shmarya, I gotta hand it to you, you have finally stated something true about HF.

[sage]

+++ ... the vast majority want this place to succeed and really don`t give a crap as to how the plant is going to be run nor do they care about a detailed power point presentation given by HF as to how he intends to turn the place around. +++

Are you willing to ammend this to:

... the vast majority want this place to succeed and really don`t give a crap as to how the plant is going to be run nor do they care about a detailed power point presentation given by HF as to how he intends to turn the place AND Postville around.

If not, then you seem to be unconcerned about the fate of Postville.

[Pablo Faird]

Sage:
Cosider my post amended.
PF

[Krewz]

"Will Postville be able to attract other businesses, if Agri-Star and the Chabad Community are present?"

My gut feel, for what it's worth, is NO."

Sage,
Please explain your reasoning.

how does the Chabad Community hamper new businesses to Postville??

[sage]

Have you read Steven Bloom's Book "A Clash of Cultures?

If not, please do so.

It will answer both of your questions and much more.

[Krewz]

Thank you, I read the book.

nicely written, but rather poorly researched.

Have you been to Postville Pre-raid? (that would answer my question)

[fair is fair]

all of you on here just have nothing better to do. these posts are so hilarious!!! You all have to move on pass the Agriprocessor scenario. It does no good to look back on what there is no longer. Only look on to what we can hope to build for the future together. If you don't want to, fine but keep the negativity to your self.

[sage]

It's been over 4 weeks since Congresswomen Jan Schakowsky sent Daniel Hirsch that letter about him meeting with the PCBA.

Has it happened?

Yes or no, please.

And if not, why not?

[Pablo Faird]

Since when has Jan Schakowsky`s suggestions become gospel?
Also, what is her district?
Who approached her to sign that letter?
If you can honestly answer the above questions you will see a pattern.

[sage]

Please.

I simply asked you a question, which you haven't answered.

When I get an answer, we can proceed with other matters.

[Pablo Faird]

Sage:
I`m not sure as to exactly whom your question was pointed at, however it would be truthful to say that NO there has not YET been a meeting with the council. The reason behind that would seem (based on interviews) that there are higher priorities and that the a majority of the trouble makers behind these demands are more agenda driven than genuinely concerned about the well being of Postville and Agristar.

[sage]

+++ a majority of the trouble makers behind these demands are more agenda driven than genuinely concerned about the well being of Postville and Agristar. +++

Not true, concerning the PCBA.

This group is what Daniel Hirsch has been asked to meet with, not so called 'troublemakers'.

If possible, inform us why DH has refused a meeting.

Please read the four letters in the link below.

http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2009/09/national-jewish-groups-bishops-join-in-call-for-a-new-beginning-at-agriprocessors-456.html

[yidandahalf]

Bottom line, Friedman's business model will not succeed because it will not turn a profit unless he hires people at well below a fair wage, runs a line so fast it will insure animals are butchered alive and operate a hell worse than Sinclair portrayed. He is dreaming; product from "religious slaughter" is not nurdle making. In addition to these woes, he has yet to have the brains to predict that the old nemeses that hounded the Rubbishclan will soon make their appearance. That he doesn't have a shit show will eventually hit him and his lackeys with full force. The rest of us may blog here, sit back and wait.

[TheTruthAsItIs]

All of you out there are a little bit correct and a little bit incorrect - even Hershy Friedman himself.

I guess one of my problems, however, is Friedman's rather aloof attitude toward the citizens of Postville in general.

Truth be told( or as it is) a sizable majority of Postville residents want that plant to succeed ( though Hometown Postville is correct - Postville would be smart to get other business(s) in the area so as not be under Agri-Stars thumb so much)

However, an equally large majority of people want the Rubashkins and their cronies out of that plant. Not because they are Jewish. Not because they have some hidden agenda. But because they are simply not trustworthy. How many times and how many ways must they demonstrate that before people get it!

Sholom, for all his faults, did not tank that plant by himself. Nor, was he the only Rubashkin engaging in illegal/unethical behavior ( he is the only one that got caught - so far.)

Friedman's "well, the U.S. Govt doesnt have a problem with us employing Rubashkins" is somewhat rather mute ( if even true)

The people of the town of Postville have a problem with it ( at least most of them do - and they should!)
Their town has suffered an enormous black eye because of their behavior. They are the ones that have to live in the community, day in, day out, week in, week out, etc etc. Not the U.S. Govt nor Hershy Friedman. Its easy for Mr. Friendman to disregard the past when it is not his own. Many people in Postville ( and rightfully so) are afraid the longer the Rubashkins stay in that plant the more likely the same ol same ol will begin again.

What I can almost guarantee Friedman is that there will always be an air of distrust and tension between the Town and his Plant as long as he keeps the Rubashkins employed there.

In due respect, yidandhalf, there is actually tremendous potential for that plant. But frankly, I think Friedman needs to start making things easy on himself and just boot the Rubashkins the h--- out of there.

I really dont understand why he doesnt - it would go along way in truly showing that the new employer is turning over a new leaf.

[yidandahalf]

This fucker is not turning over a new leaf. Get it straight. He likes to think he is and hopefully convince the people that he thinks matter,that he is. Evidently, in this regard, he has succeeded.

[Agent Emes]

Truthasitis:
You always have sensible things to add to these discussions, keep up the good work.
As for yidandhalf, I wouldn't waste not even a second trying to make sense of what this piece of scum has to say. He has a history of posting baseless statements laden with foul language.

[yidandahalf]

Thank you agent emes, I aim to please as you and your handlers know. Always have special concern for my friends in the inner circle. I don't have as much time as I would like to come by, but rest assured, you circle jerks are always in my heart.

[FirstGenerationBavarianAmerican]

Thetruthasitis wrote:
"In due respect, yidandhalf, there is actually tremendous potential for that plant. But frankly, I think Friedman needs to start making things easy on himself and just boot the Rubashkins the h--- out of there.

I really dont understand why he doesnt - it would go along way in truly showing that the new employer is turning over a new leaf."

I've been involved in my share of mergers, buyouts, hostile takeovers, outsourcing of work, etc. What I have often seen is that the acquirer makes nice nice with the old guard, picks their brains, sucks them dry, then kicks them out. If these marked men had any scruples, they would quit and tell the marauders to get bent.

I have seen merger situations where management fires one work center's personnel, and has an existing work center in another city pick up the work. The surviving work center doesn't know the ins-and-outs of the job, and the operation tanks.

The magic number I have seen programmed into the ejection seat is one year. I'll revisit this issue in August, 2010.

I'd be interested in hearing from Postville old timers what relations were between the town and Hygrade, before Hygrade pulled out. Hygrade, part of Sara Lee since 1989, was based in Detroit. Originally known as Hygrade Food Products Corp, it was acquired by the British cluster fuck Hanson, PLC in 1976. The Hanson bosses in London probably had an aloof attitude towards Postville, too.

[state of disgust]

Good question FGBA about the relationship between Hygrade and the town.
I pretty much agree with your assessment as to why the Rubashkin clan is still in the plant. It is an effort to hold onto the Lubavitch controlled accounts. But that is a false hope as more Lubav's develop other sources. Hershey will have to develop his own distribution network if he is to survive. He listens well and the move into prepared foods which can compete w Alle/Meal Mart and Mon Cuisine, is a wise move.
A good PR person would advise him to act differently toward to the townspeople. This aloof and disdain has already hurt the chances of the plant to succeed. He needs all the help he can get. He is afterall, a stranger in a strange land.

[Hometown Postville]

SOD; I like the way you put that "He(Hershey) is afterall, a stranger in a strange land." That's a good way to describe most of the diversity in Postville. It will take many years of growing pains to acclimate.

I was a kid when Hygrade closed. But I can remember there were many locals who had worked there for decades and the closure was used as a reference point for years afterward. It was devastating for families.

[sage]

Yidandahalf, TheTruthAsItIs, FGBA, SOD and HP,

Great posts !!!!

Hershey could learn from Joseph, who was also a "stranger in a strange land".

Joseph ended up saving Egypt from disaster by not being aloof from Egyptian society and working for the common good.

If Joseph could save an entire country, then the least Hershey should do, is get DH off his ass and meet with the PCBA, and hold a Town Hall Meeting oulining his plans to make it a win-win situation for Agri-Star and Postville.

[sage]

+++ But frankly, I think Friedman needs to start making things easy on himself and just boot the Rubashkins the h--- out of there.

I really dont understand why he doesnt - it would go along way in truly showing that the new employer is turning over a new leaf.

Posted by: TheTruthAsItIs | October 29, 2009 at 05:21 PM +++

Hershey may have been given the "RCF Tony Suprano" treatment, similar to what happened to stop the Uri Le'Tzedek boycott of Agri in its tracks.

If so, he simply can't boot the Rubaskins out of Agri-Star.

[state of disgust]

I really don't think Hershey needs to agree to a CBA, although that would be ideal. But he does have to meet with people in the town, have open ended discussions - in short, he needs to mentsh-up.

There is a lot of history in Postville of Agri folks threatening to pull out of the town if they don't get their way. HF's attitude reeks of the same kind of thinking. Given the funds he is allegedly investing it would be wise to protect his investment by investing in a little personal diplomacy. His stunt interview with the Jewish Week was simply a poor attempt to protect his name in the non-Haredi market. He should worry equally as much about the local market.

[SHABBOS GOY]

orthodox should stop eating meat, that would make everthing kosher and avoid having all these treif issues duh????