KENNEWICK, Wash. (January 3, 2007) – Nearly one year after announcing the closing, Welch's officially concluded the sale of its Kennewick production and packaging facility today turning the keys over to J Lieb Foods, Inc., a Forest Grove, Oregon-based company that manufactures products for other companies. The sale price was not disclosed.

J Lieb Foods announced its intent to purchase the Welch's plant back in June, and the two companies have been working out the final details since that time.

The owner of J Lieb Foods, Inc., Jim Lieb, said that the Kennewick plant will provide a great fit for his co-packing operations. "We're excited about our business plans here and are looking forward to being a part of the Kennewick community. This is a wonderful opportunity for us."

"We were impressed with the assistance and leadership that TRIDEC and the City of Kennewick provided in bringing this transaction to fruition," Jim Lieb continued. "Additionally, transitional support by Governor Gregoire and the state's Community, Trade and Economic Development Office were critical in facilitating the transaction. The Washington State WorkSource program will be vital in the employment and re-employment efforts by J Lieb Foods as we prepare to commence operations at the Kennewick facility."

Kennewick Mayor James R. Beaver enthusiastically welcomed the building's new occupant. "This is great news for all parties concerned and, most important, for the city of Kennewick. J Lieb Foods is going to be a great addition to our community."

"We're extremely fortunate that a company the caliber of J Lieb Foods is the new owner of the Kennewick plant," said Carl Adrian, chief executive of the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC). "This is just another example of how strong partnerships, like the one between Welch's, Kennewick, the state and the Tri-City Development Council, can have a solid impact on the economic growth for the Tri-Cities region."

The City of Kennewick, TRIDEC and Welch's worked together to find a buyer for the plant, which was purchased by Welch's in 1953. Efforts initially got under way when Kennewick started working with the state's Community, Trade and Economic Development Office to obtain funding from the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) board for a marketing feasibility study on the building.

Chuck Evans, director of Operations for Welch's, said he was glad that the sale of the plant could be concluded in such a timely fashion. "This was and is an excellent facility and we are pleased that J Lieb Foods will continue on with a fine tradition of producing quality food products at this site."

The Kennewick plant, located at 10 East Bruneau, is comprised of two buildings totaling 210,000 square feet on 7.5 acres. The plant was built in l941. At the time of the closing, announced Nov. 1, 2005, there were 165 people employed at the facility.

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About J Lieb Foods, Inc.
J Lieb Foods, Inc is a leading contract package manufacturer of high quality jams, sauces, marinades, salad dressings, bottled teas and juices. Founded in 1992 by Jim Lieb, the company includes plant operations in Forest Grove, OR and provides employment for 100 people while maintaining both organic and kosher certifications. With the recent addition of a packaging facility in Kennewick, WA, the company has tremendous flexibility to accommodate growth and expects to grow to a similar workforce size. J Lieb Foods web site can be found at http://www.jliebfoods.com.

About Welch’s
Welch’s is the world’s leading marketer of Concord and Niagara grape-based products, including grape juice and jelly. The company produces a variety of other fruit-based products, including 100% juices, juice cocktails, and drinks in the following forms: single serve, bottled, refrigerated, and frozen and shelf-stable concentrates. In addition, Welch’s produces a number of fruit spread products under both the Welch’s and BAMA brand names. Welch’s Web site can be found at http://www.welchs.com.

About TRIDEC
The Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) is the lead economic development organization for Benton and Franklin Counties representing a population of over 218,000. TRIDEC works to create and sustain a region that is globally competitive, fueled by a diversified, technology-driven economy, and positioned to achieve sustained economic prosperity and opportunity for its business and residential communities. TRIDEC assists companies locating or expanding while also focusing on issues of regional competitiveness and works with economic development professionals, board members and other investors building a strong region-wide support mechanism for economic development.

For more information, please contact:

Jen Marino
Welch's
978-371-3647
jmarino@welchs.com

Deanna Smith
Tri-City Development Council
509-735-1000 (o), 509-591-2364 (c)
dsmith@tridec.org

Dallas Breamer
J Lieb Foods
503-359-9279
dallas@jliebfoods.com