MILWAUKEE – After plans to move into Milwaukee faltered last year, Strauss Brands Inc., a Wisconsin-based meat processor, has decided to expand its operations in Franklin, Wisconsin.

The company issued a statement on Feb. 19 saying it is committed to staying in its longtime home.

“After careful consideration, Strauss Brands has decided to stay in Franklin, our home for more than 50 years,” said Randy Strauss co-owner and CEO of Strauss Brands. “We appreciate the ongoing support and patience of Mayor Olson, his team and the City of Franklin. We also want to acknowledge and thank Mayor Tom Barrett, Rocky Marcoux, and the Milwaukee Department of City Development and M7 for their efforts to attract our business to help their community thrive by creating jobs and new development at Century City.”

In September 2019, Strauss announced a plan to build a 175,000 sq.-ft. headquarters and move its operations from Franklin, a south suburb of Milwaukee, to the northern part of the city. The company said at the time that it would employ 250 workers at the new location. 

However, the company rescinded its plan a month later, following protests from animal rights activists and changes in support from the Milwaukee zoning committee.

“We honor and respect each of these communities and their residents,” Strauss said. “We wish Century City nothing but success in bringing other companies to what we are sure will be a thriving area of the city in the near future.”

The company did not release any details on what the new expansion plan will look like when completed.

Strauss processes grass-fed and organic beef as well as lamb and veal for customers in the Wisconsin area serving the retail and foodservice segments.