Sara Lee Frozen Bakery Coming To Oakbrook Terrace

OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL — Oakbrook Terrace is about to add a sweet new business to its lineup. Sara Lee Frozen Bakery has announced it will set up its headquarters and research and development department in Oakbrook Terrace following the sale of Tyson Foods’ Frozen Bakery business to Kohlberg & Company, a private equity firm, according to a press release.

The company's aim is to "facilitate collaboration and accelerate innovation" by housing the corporate headquarters alongside the research and development center. Future plans for the new Sara Lee Frozen Bakery location include a test kitchen and a pilot plant as part of the research and development initiative.

The new business will bring some 1,300 new jobs to the area, along with up to 80 senior level marketing professionals, the press release said. The new Sara Lee Frozen Bakery headquarters will be helmed by CEO Craig Bahner, who has worked with Wendy's and Procter and Gamble, along with other big-name businesses.

In the press release, Bahner said, "Moving the frozen bakery products into a standalone company concentrated in the frozen bakery business will enable us to continue delivering quality products while accelerating growth, increasing innovation and achieving operational excellence."

Sara Lee Bakery makes its own frozen pies, cakes, and other desserts. It also operates the Van's, Bistro Collection, and Chef Pierre brands.

Image credit: Getty Images/Mario Tama / Staff