SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15d of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934
---------------------------
Date of Report (Date of earliest
event reported) July 26, 1996
WLR Foods, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia 0-17060 54-1295923
(State of (Commission File (IRS Employer Iden-
Incorporation) Number) tification No.)
P.O. Box 7000 22815
Broadway, Virginia (Zip Code)
(Address of Principal executive offices)
(540) 896-7001
(Registrant's telephone number,
including area code)
<PAGE>
Item 5. Other Events
On July 26, 1996, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Wampler-
Longacre, Inc. changed its corporate name to Wampler-Foods, Inc. A
copy of the press release announcing the change is set forth in its
entirety as an exhibit hereto.
Item 7. Exhibits
(99.1) Press release dated August 6, 1996.
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<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
WLR Foods, Inc.
By:__/s/_James L. Keeler____________
James L. Keeler
President and
Chief Executive Officer
3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description
(99.1) Press release dated August 6, 1996
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Analyst Contact: Stanley H. Gray,
Director of Investor
Relations
540-896-7001
Media Contact: Gail Price, Director of
Corporate Communication
540-896-0406
(home) 540-743-4007
WLR FOODS, INC. RENAMES SUBSIDIARY WAMPLER FOODS, INC.
Broadway, Virginia, August 6, 1996 --WLR Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: WLRF)
today announced the renaming of its Wampler-Longacre, Inc. subsidiary
to Wampler Foods, Inc. The subsidiary is a vertically integrated
poultry business that ranks as the second largest turkey company in
sales volume, the thirteenth largest chicken company, the eight
largest further processed meats company, and a leading poultry
exporter.
In making the announcement, WLR Foods, Inc. President and Chief
Executive Officer James L. Keeler stated, "This week our quality
retail chicken products are being distributed under a new Wampler
Foods(R) logo. Eventually, we plan to pack most of our products under
this Wampler Foods(R)label and are renaming our subsidiary as part of
this market strategy."
Wampler Foods, Inc. President James L. Mason explained, "We found that
our consumers and trade partners simply refer to us as Wampler.
Therefore, a simplified name and brand strategy only made sense. It
allows us to achieve greater efficiencies throughout our organization
from purchasing and production all the way to sales and marketing.
Consolidation under the Wampler Foods(R) label will allow us to move
forward with a more focused marketing effort than our previous
multiple brand approach. Wampler Foods(R) more accurately describes
our 250+ product lines that span from fresh chicken and turkey
products to deli breasts, salads, and heat and serve entrees. We
expect to realize significant savings with this change as we
consolidate brands to Wampler Foods(R) over the next six months."
The newly designed brand mark builds on the Wampler-Longacre(R) logo
replicating its familiar shape and naming border. The newly designed
rural scene emphasizes Wampler's family farm heritage and the personal
care Wampler products receive.
WLR Foods is a fully integrated provider of high quality turkey and
chicken products, primarily under the Wampler Foods(R), Wampler-
Longacre(R), Cuddy Family Farms(R), and Round Hill(TM) labels and
retail ice under the Cassco(R) label. Wampler Foods, Inc. has
processing operations in Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, and
Pennsylvania, close to its major mid-Atlantic markets.
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