GALESBURG, ILL. – Meat snack processor Western Smokehouse Partners recently announced that Curtiss Kellison was promoted to senior director, multi-site plant manager.

The company, a subsidiary of AUA Private Equity Partners, made the appointment after its recent announcement of a new facility planned to be built in Mexico, Mo., that expects to open in August 2025.

“It has truly been an honor to work with Curtiss Kellison since my first days with Western Smokehouse Partners nearly six years ago,” said Matt Bormann, chief executive officer of Western Smokehouse Partners.  “This promotion is not given, it is incredibly well-earned. Curtiss has done a masterful job of leading the high performing Greentop plant, achieving heights and delivering results that we did not believe were even possible when the journey began.  As the long-term leader of our flagship plant, Curtiss laid the groundwork for all that Western Smokehouse Partners has achieved, and I look forward to him taking on the leadership of our newest and soon to be largest plant.”

Before this promotion, Kellison worked as senior plant manager beginning in 2024 and worked to develop and expand the Greentop, Mo., facility run by Western Smokehouse.

In this role, Kellison will play an integral part in starting the Mexico plant while maintaining the success of the plant in Greentop. One of his duties will be to oversee plant managers for both locations and focus on production goals while maintaining the safety and quality of products.

 “I am excited to step into this new role and chapter of our growth,” Kellison said. “I look forward to continuing the long-standing legacy and traditions of Western Smokehouse Partners with a strong commitment to my team, customers and community.”