VANDEGRIFT, Pa. – Pittsburg-based FNB Capital Partners and a group of other investors have acquired Uncle Charley's Sausage Company in Vandegrift. The investors said they plan to expand the business while maintaining the company's facilities and employees.

Len Caric will serve as president and CEO, and Jim Rudolph will be the company's chairman. Charles Armitage Sr., founder of Uncle Charley's, will serve as a consultant throughout the next year.


“While we have plans to substantially grow the business, the priority is to maintain the integrity of the brand and product, while continuing to enhance relationships with our business partners and consumers,” said Stephen Gurgovits Jr., managing partner at FNB Capital Partners.

Uncle Charley's was established in 1988 and produces and distributes gourmet sausage and meat products to more than 600 retail markets throughout six states. Customers include Wal-Mart, Shop'n'Save, Bottom Dollar Food and Giant Eagle. The company said pork used in its sausage is sourced within the tri-state area, so the company's product moves from field to store in about 48 hours and is never frozen. The company had nearly doubled its business and workforce since 2006.

“I am glad that it [the company] is staying in the hands of local people,” Armitage said. “I have confidence that they will protect the brand's reputation and help take the company to the next level of growth. They are buying a brand — one that our dedicated management team, employees and family have worked hard to create.”