Jun 1, 2003 12:00 PM

The name of IBP inc, the wholly owned fresh meats subsidiary of Tyson Foods Inc, is being changed to Tyson Fresh Meats Inc.

“We believe this change will be a more accurate reflection of the new fresh meats company, which has emerged from the integration of Tyson Foods and IBP,” said Dick Bond, president and chief operating officer of Tyson. “While Fresh Meats is a separate operating entity, it is an integral part of the Tyson Foods family. In fact, two case-ready meats plants are already producing some products under the Tyson brand.

“The name change will also simplify some of our business activities from a legal and tax standpoint,” he said. “It does not affect the structure or location of our Fresh Meats operations or offices.” Tyson Fresh Meats, based in Dakota Dunes SD, has 20 production sites in North America and employs more than 41,000 people.

It will likely be early summer before IBP's meat production plants and offices will begin replacing IBP with the Tyson logo on buildings, vehicles, uniforms, stationery, and other items. IBP will remain a brand name on commodity boxed beef and pork products for a while.