Macomb, MI — Beef jerky suppliers Thanasi Foods, Inc. and Dearborn, Sausage Co., Inc. are combining to purchase the American Foods Co. Inc. beef jerky and smoked sausage production facility.

The two companies will form a joint venture, Macomb Smoked Meats LLC. Thanasi says it can now claim manufacturing ownership of many of its food products, and its co-partnership with Dearborn will differentiate the company’s jerky offerings in the market.

Macomb Smoked Meats will employ approximately 50 people in Detroit, according to Thanasi.