Western Smokehouse Partners is set to expand its operations in Galesburg, potentially adding 150 to 180 manufacturing jobs. The expansion involves a $50 million investment and utilizes the former Maytag facility on Monmouth Boulevard. The Galesburg City Council will vote on the development agreement with Thrushwood Quality Meats at the October 7, 2024, City Council meeting, which includes economic support to facilitate this substantial local growth.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the City of Galesburg to aid in the development of a locally founded business and foster their continued growth within our community,” said City Manager Eric Hanson. “Significant long-term investment in jobs and facilities within our community, such as this, serve as economic drivers, benefitting the community as a whole through increased economic investment and prosperity.”
Thrushwood Farms, a staple in Galesburg since 1978, has evolved significantly over the years, recently bolstering its presence through a partnership with Western Smokehouse Partners. This collaboration has led to the significant expansion of their local operations. A 10-year lease has been secured for the new headquarters on South Kellogg Street, complete with a $300,000 development boost from the City of Galesburg. This investment is set to retain seven jobs and create an additional 25 in both headquarters and manufacturing roles, promising a payroll impact of over $2 million. This growth not only underscores Thrushwood Farms’ enduring legacy but also boosts the local economy significantly.
“We believe in the potential of this community and are excited to create new jobs that will provide stability and prosperity for local families,” said Matt Bormann, Chief Executive Officer, Western Smokehouse Partners. “This project will not only increase our production capacity but also strengthen our ties to the community, fostering a collaborative environment.”
“We are proud to expand our operations again in Galesburg,” said Doug Hankes, Chief Product Officer, Western Smokehouse Partners. “Thrushwood Farms began as a small family start-up in Galesburg, and we are exceptionally pleased to see the company continue to grow within our community.”
After this expansion, Western Smokehouse Partner will employ over 350 total employees in Galesburg, which makes them one of the largest employers in the community.