The leadership of Morgan Foods Inc. in Austin, other local dignitaries and first responders gathered Wednesday in that Scott County community to celebrate the 125th birthday of the company founded in 1899. Those on hands for the celebration include front row, from left, Austin Mayor Roger Hawkins, Scottsburg Mayor Terry Amick, Kelly Maciejak, Judy Splan-Larin, Scott County Sheriff Jerry Goodin, Louis Gottsponer, Scott County Police Officer Joe Guarneri, Chris Fugate, Melissa Turner, Greg Prince and Mike Jones, and second row from left, Tim Maciejak, Bill Hamilton, Tyler Pearson, Joe Smith, Jonathan Pearce, state District 69 Rep. Jim Lucas of Seymour.
AUSTIN — Morgan Foods Inc. celebrated 125 years in business on Wednesday in this Scott County community just south of Crothersville.
The company, located at 90 W. Morgan St., 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 were served food and beverages supplied by MFI and participated in engagement events. Company leadership and other local dignitaries spoke.
The gathering highlighted MFI’s history and achievements over the years.
“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 the company in 1899 on new advances in canning technology and southern Indiana’s rich soil, according to a news release from the company.
World War I created an enormous demand for canned and processed foods, Morgan Packing Co. received large government contracts, according to the company’s website at morganfoods.com.
Over the next several decades Morgan Foods purchased several plants in surrounding areas, including Brownstown, Scottsburg, Columbus, Franklin, Warren, Redkey and Converse. Due to their expense, however, Morgan later sold most of these facilities between 1980 and 1983, resulting in the elimination of corn and pumpkin.
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 information, visit morganfoods.com.