Marhoefer Packing Company records

Muncie`s Marhoefer Packing Company, once considered one of the 12 largest meat packing companies in the nation, started as the Kuhner Packing Co. by Gottlieg Kuhner in 1901. It was incorporated in 1911 and in 1945 was acquired by the Marhoefer family. For eight years it was known as The Marhoefer Division of Kuhner Packing Company, until a 1952 merger with other Marhoefer interests that prompted the drop of the Kuhner name.

Run by John Marhoefer and family, inhabiting 45 acres, consisting of 12 building complexes and 380,000 feet of floor space, Marhoefer`s was considered an important part of the local economy during its 33 years of business. In early 1978, financial issues arose due to decreased profitability in pork production, as well as a year long battle with a Chicago investment and factoring firm that withdrew from its 7.5 million loan arrangement with Marhoefer. On March 15, 1978, Marhoefer began the process of phasing out its 800 employees. After unsuccessful attempts to find a buyer, on June 2, 1978, Marhoefer Packing Company filed bankruptcy.

In 1978, Jerry Jones took over as president of the Amalgamated Meatcutters and Butchers Local P-105 Union, after working for Marhoefer's for many years. This collection reflects correspondence, his fight for union members, and newspaper clippings during the tumultuous year for him and Marhoefer's.