GALESBURG, ILL. – Thrushwood Farms Quality Meats Inc., a subsidiary of Western Smokehouse Partners, will have a development agreement reviewed by the Galesburg, Ill., City Council on Oct. 7.

The agreement involves expanding the company’s production capabilities, creating 150-180 manufacturing positions and generating $50 million in investment.

“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 of Western Smokehouse Partners of Galesburg. “This project will not only increase our production capacity but also strengthen our ties to the community, fostering a collaborative environment.”

Thrushwood began in Galesburg in 1978 as a local meat processing facility. The operation continued to adapt and grow over the decades, including specialization in snack stick production. Thrushwood was acquired by Western Smokehouse Partners in 2016.

The meat stick manufacturer recently signed a 10-year lease to locate the Western Smokehouse headquarters in Galesburg. 

The company is now in a development agreement with the City of Galesburg as of May 2024. The city expects to provide $300,000 to aid local expansion with the 10-year lease and retain seven headquarters jobs with a minimum payroll of $500,000. They also want to create 10 jobs at its headquarters with a minimum payroll of $1 million and create 15 manufacturing jobs with a minimum payroll of $675,000. 

“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 Eric Hanson, city manager of Galesburg. “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.”

According to a news release, the Galesburg City Manager recommends approval of the development, which coincides with the new administration’s prioritization of long-term planning and initiatives for city revitalization. 

“We are proud to expand our operations again in Galesburg,” said Doug Hankes, chief product officer of 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.”

Western Smokehouse expects to employ more than 350 people in Galesburg when the expansion is completed.