GALESBURG, ILL. – Meat snack producer Western Smokehouse Partners confirmed on May 17 that it acquired Golden Valley Natural, a fellow meat snack company based out of Shelley, Idaho.

Western Smokehouse said the strategic partnership would expand its market presence and offerings.

“We are pleased to welcome Golden Valley Natural into the Western Smokehouse Partners family,” said Matt Bormann, chief executive officer of Western Smokehouse Partners. “Their legacy as a family-owned business in the all-natural and organic meat snack industry aligns with our mission of providing better-for-you meat snack products to all consumers.”

Western Smokehouse also noted in its statement that the acquisition of Golden Valley Natural is a testament to its commitment to innovation and growth. Through this acquisition, the meat snack company positions itself to expand its product offerings and offer unparalleled solutions and support for customers.

“My siblings and I are confident in the partnership with Western Smokehouse Partners,” said Ben Ball, president and co-owner of Golden Valley Natural. “We are confident that the organization will be able to further the legacy that our father, Roger Ball, created when he opened his meat processing plant in 1968.”

Western Smokehouse Partners currently has four other facilities. In the last year, the snack company opened its latest processing plant in Burlington, Iowa. 

The company also acquired Thrushwood Farms Quality Meats in early 2020.  

By the end of 2021, Western purchased another 45,000-square-foot facility in Springfield, Ill. In June 2022, the company added about 30% capacity to its plant in Greentop, Mo.

During March 2023, Western Smokehouse was purchased by private equity firm AUA Private Equity Partners LLC.