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Western Smokehouse Partners expanding Illinois operations to meet protein demand

The COO of Western Smokehouse Partners says the world’s largest producer of better-for-you meat sticks is expanding.

Doug Hankes says the company has invested $72 million in two facilities in Galesburg, Illinois, to help meet growing demand for a healthier protein option.

“Better for you is a clean label, good sources of protein, zero sugar or low sugar, gluten-free, and no MSG, and things like that,” he says.

He tells Brownfield that the expansion increases the company’s national production to 4 million sticks per day.

“A lot of the proteins that are popular in the better-for-you category are grass-fed beef, antibiotic-free pork, and then chicken and turkey as well.”  He says, “And one of the requests we constantly get is USA beef and USA pork.  That demand is going to continue to increase for farmers both locally and regionally.”

Hankes says the meat stick category is expected to continue growing as Americans search for convenient, affordable protein options.

“It’s been awesome from an economic development perspective.”  He says, “That will be our third plant in Illinois. So regionally, with one in Burlington, IA, you know that meat snacks are a key part of the meat consumption in that area from a production perspective. And it’s great to be manufacturing in the Midwest.”

Western Smokehouse Partners also operates meat stick plants in Springfield, Illinois, as well as locations in Iowa, Missouri, and Idaho.  

AUDIO: Doug Hankes – Western Smokehouse Partners