We didn't compare execution plans - we just had the exec statement in query analyzer and ran it. It took over 3 seconds when referencing the @PROD_CD variable and...

It is always nice to know when someone else has a similar problem (not just me drinking too much coffee!).

Text wasn't an option for us, but making the individual field...

I had to make the 3 fields total less than 8000 - it must be some row limitations coming into play