American Manufacturing and Packaging
| Company type | Non-profit (501(c)(3)) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food manufacturing and packaging |
| Predecessor | ARC Diversified |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Defunct | 2011 |
| Fate | Discontinued operations amid fraud allegations |
| Headquarters | Cookeville, Tennessee , United States |
| Products | Bakery mixes, frozen biscuits, vegetable oils, frozen breakfast sandwiches, co-packing and private label services |
Number of employees | (varied; workforce reductions occurred) |
American Manufacturing & Packaging (AMP), previously known as ARC Diversified, was a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity headquartered in Cookeville, Tennessee. Its mission centered on providing employment and skill development opportunities for individuals with severe disabilities within the food manufacturing sector. The organization specialized in producing bakery mixes, frozen biscuits, vegetable oils, and frozen breakfast sandwiches, while also offering co-packing and private label services through its proprietary brands—Millstone Traditions, Granny Bunt, and Beachhouse Seafood. Its products reached an audience exceeding four million consumers worldwide on a daily basis.
AMP distinguished itself as the first non-profit in the United States to manage a USDA-certified facility (PL No. 47-011-02) that supplied goods to government nutrition programs as well as private enterprises. This operational approach was designed to generate meaningful vocational roles and enhance the living standards of workers with significant disabilities. The organization discontinued its operations toward the end of 2011 amid accusations involving fraudulent misrepresentation of product ingredients.
Background
The organization functioned under the framework of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, a federal statute mandating that all government agencies procure designated products and services from non-profit organizations employing individuals who are blind or severely disabled. This legislation, named after Senator Jacob K. Javits, extended the original 1938 Wagner-O'Day Act by expanding eligibility from solely blind persons and products to include services as well. Despite resistance from groups such as the American Council of the Blind, this expansion was ultimately enacted.
Oversight of the program is provided by the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, which identifies qualifying goods and services for federal acquisition. Historically referred to as the JWOD Program, it was rebranded by Congress in 2006 as "AbilityOne."
AMP holds the distinction of being the initial non-profit agency operating a USDA-approved manufacturing facility supplying goods for U.S. Government feeding initiatives and commercial clients. Its production portfolio includes over 125 varieties of dry mixes, dairy-based blends, and oils for federal customers such as the Departments of Agriculture and Defense. Additionally, AMP supports private sector demand and participates in the Prime Vendor program, delivering full-line food distribution services to federal contracts.
History
AMP was initially established in 1992 under the name ARC-Diversified, becoming the first USDA-approved non-profit manufacturer in the United States to supply both government and private feeding initiatives. In 2004, the USDA honored ARC-Diversified with the Jarvis-Wagner-O'Day Contractor of the Year award, recognizing its commitment to enhancing employment skills for individuals with severe disabilities.
In July 2006, ARC-Diversified filed for bankruptcy after two board members resigned amid conflicts with the USDA concerning excessive executive pay exceeding $1 million and efforts to increase cooking oil prices on government contracts. These disputes resulted in halted negotiations, financial difficulties, workforce reductions, and ultimately, the organization's shutdown. Former leadership resolved outstanding judgments in 2008, accepting responsibility for their actions while denying any fraudulent conduct.
The company was revitalized in 2008 as American Manufacturing and Packaging (AMP) through investment backing. By 2009, AMP had rehired many previous staff members and restored relationships with major clients, concentrating on production stabilization and preserving jobs for people with significant disabilities.
By June 2011, AMP implemented temporary furloughs affecting several employees due to a reduction in workforce but intended to return to full operational capacity. Simultaneously, the USDA Farm Services Agency suspended AMP’s contract pending an inquiry into allegations of fraud and other business integrity issues, as indicated by its listing on the General Services Administration’s Excluded Parties List System.
Frozen food
- Frozen biscuit pucks
- Frozen biscuits
- Frozen breakfast sandwiches
- Frozen cakes
- Frozen par-baked biscuits
Other
- Biodegradable packaging materials
- Bottled water
- Vitamin supplements
- Vegetable oil
Former certifications
- ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 Certification
- USDA Total Quality Systems Audit Accreditation
- USDA Agriculture "Dairy Plants Surveyed and Approved for USDA Grading Service," Plant Number 47-1102
- Orthodox Union Kosher Certification
- United States Food and Drug Administration Registration Number 16459898298
- Tennessee Department of Agriculture Regulatory Services, Food and Dairy Establishment Number 33015
- American Institute of Baking Superior rating awarded in 2008
External links
- Defunct manufacturing companies based in Tennessee
- Food manufacturers of the United States
- Charities based in Tennessee
- Organizations disestablished in 2006
- Disability organizations based in the United States
- Social welfare charities based in the United States
- Defunct food and drink companies of the United States
- American companies established in 1992
- Food and drink companies established in 1992
- American companies disestablished in 2006
- Food and drink companies disestablished in 2006
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment