Johnsonville, the family-owned sausage producer in the United States, has announced the closure of its processing plant in Momence, Illinois. This significant decision will result in the loss of 274 jobs at the facility, as confirmed in a statement.
The company described this choice as “difficult” and has reached out to affected employees regarding the transition. Operational since 1962, the plant has been producing Johnsonville products since 1995, playing a crucial role in the company’s supply chain.
To streamline its operations and maximize efficiency, Johnsonville will shift production to its more modern facilities located in Wisconsin and Kansas. The company is committed to investing in these sites to accommodate the “additional volume” and to support both “current and future growth,” as highlighted in the statement.
As part of this strategic move, Johnsonville plans to create approximately 100 new jobs in Wisconsin. The Watertown facility will expand its operations by adding a second shift, contributing 75 new positions, while the Sheboygan Falls site will see 25 new jobs created. Hiring for these roles is already underway and will continue through the summer months.
In addition, equipment and assets from the Momence plant will be transferred to other manufacturing locations. Johnsonville intends to either sell or demolish the aging facility by the end of the year.
Significantly, the company plans to make “substantial” investments in its Sheboygan Falls production facilities to increase capacity for “fully cooked” sausage products, directly addressing “current and future” consumer demand.
Established in 1945, Johnsonville produces over 80 varieties of sausage, which are marketed in more than 40 countries and served in over 75 sports stadiums across the United States. The company employs around 4,000 team members globally.
Earlier this year, Johnsonville expanded its operations by acquiring its co-manufacturer, Salm Partners, from Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (E2P). This acquisition included two production plants located in Denmark, Wisconsin.
Transitioning to new strategies and facilities in the food and beverage industry, Johnsonville aims to align with the latest food and drink consumer trends and strengthen its presence in the food and drink business.