NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — Lance Inc. has announced plans to close a North Little Rock-based Brent & Sam’s cookie plant it acquired in March 2008, according to an internal memo obtained and published by ArkansasBusiness.com.

According to the memo, Lance will close the facility between July 3 and July 25 and move all of the equipment and production to a manufacturing facility in Charlotte, N.C., where Lance is headquartered.

"Consolidating this operation with the operations in Charlotte creates significant opportunities to reduce operating costs and improve efficiencies," the company said in the memo. "Leveraging the synergies of this consolidation will help ensure the long-term viability of this premium cookie business."

Brent Bumpers, one of Brent & Sam’s founders, told ArkansasBusiness.com that by consolidating operations Lance should be able to improve its relationship with big retailers, such as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Target Corp., where Brent & Sam’s cookies are distributed.