The owner of S&S Saimin is selling its fresh-noodle division to the largest local producer of Asian noodle products.

Itoen (USA) Inc. said H&U Inc., which makes Sun Noodle products, has agreed to purchase S&S and operate it under its existing brand name.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close in July.

About 10 people will be laid off at Itoen's Kalihi manufacturing plant once the sale is completed, the company said in a filing with the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Ken Niimura, president of Itoen (USA) said the company has tried to sell off S&S for some time to focus on its core beverage business.

Itoen (USA), the local unit of Japan-based soft drinks giant Itoen Ltd., produces the Aloha Maid line of canned fruit juices and manufactures several premium canned teas and coffee drinks.

The company acquired S&S Saimin in 1987 when it purchased Aloha Maid from locally based Shimoko & Sons Inc.

"We've been looking for a partner for some time to take over the business," said Niimura.

Sun Noodle, founded by local entrepreneur Hidehito Uki, makes more than 100 different food products that are sold in Hawai'i's supermarkets, Zippy's restaurants, Japanese airlines and local hospitals.

Reach Rick Daysog at rdaysog@honoluluadvertiser.com.