A family-owned company specializing in crafted meat snacks is set to invest $2 million in expanding its operations in Galesburg. Western Smokehouse Partners LLC, headquartered at 56 S. Kellogg St. with a production facility at Thrushwood Farms, 2860 W. Main St., will enhance its workforce at both locations, creating significant economic growth in the area.
Expansion Details:
- Job Creation: The expansion will generate 10 executive positions and up to 20 production jobs.
- Payroll Impact: The company will retain current headquarters jobs with a minimum payroll of $500,000 and add 10 more jobs with a payroll of $1 million. Thrushwood Farms will see an additional 15 to 20 production jobs with a payroll of $675,000.
- Incentives Sought: Western Smokehouse Partners is seeking a $300,000 incentive from the City of Galesburg to support the expansion and ensure the new jobs are maintained for a decade.
City Council Support:
City Manager Eric Hanson recommends the approval of a development agreement with Western Smokehouse Partners, highlighting that the Economic Development Fund has sufficient resources to support this initiative. The City Council will review the incentive plan at Monday’s meeting.
Company Statements:
Crystal Bohm, Chief Human Resources Officer for Western Smokehouse Partners, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for investing in the Galesburg community. She stated, “We plan to add additional corporate roles at our Kellogg location to support ongoing growth. With demand at an all-time high, we are adding around 20 new production jobs to increase snack stick production at the Galesburg plant.”
Economic Impact:
Ken Springer, President of the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development, hailed the project as a “textbook economic development win” for Galesburg and Knox County. The expansion will result in a total positive local economic impact of $2,175,000. Springer noted that food processing is a targeted growth industry for the region and that adding good-paying jobs downtown will strengthen the entire area.
Additional Facilities:
Western Smokehouse Partners also operates facilities in Springfield, Burlington (Iowa), and Greentop (Missouri). The expansion in Galesburg signifies the company’s commitment to regional growth and economic development.
The City Council’s approval of this agreement is expected to bolster the local economy and support Western Smokehouse Partners’ continued success.
